John "Eddie" Edward Richardson

John Edward ‘Eddie’ Richardson, also lovingly known as ‘Pop’, went fishing with Jesus on August 1, 2022 surrounded by his loving family after valiantly fighting a long battle with Parkinsons. Eddie was born June 26, 1946, in Littlefield, TX to Elvia ‘Al’ Muriel and Ed Richardson. Eddie and his 2 sisters, Shirley and Dianna, lived with their parents on a farm in McDonald, NM, where Eddie grew up helping his father. Eddie went to NM State University, where he graduated with a degree in Agricultural Economics. He married his college sweetheart, Toni Herrell, in 1969.

He then began his Army career as a Second Lieutenant, having been a member of ROTC at New Mexico State University. He was stationed in Furth, Germany, assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 37th Armored Division. He and Toni enjoyed many European adventures during these years in Germany. After serving 3 years, Eddie exited the Army as a Captain.

Eddie and Toni returned to Lovington, NM, where they lived for 35 years. He worked as a banker in both Lovington and Hobbs from 1972-2003. During these years, they raised 2 daughters, Tiffany (Richardson) Hollums and Noelle (Richardson) Roberts. Both daughters are public servants: Tiffany is an ordained United Methodist Deacon, and Noelle is an RN who has faithfully served for 21 years.

Eddie was appointed by 3 consecutive NM governors to be a NM State Library commissioner, was a Lovington Public Library board member, and a Lovington School board member. He served as treasurer and member of the Administrative Board and Finance committee for many years at the First United Methodist Church in Lovington, NM. Eddie served on numerous Walks to Emmaus and Chrysalis Flights, chaired the Southwest Chrysalis board, and also served as Chrysalis treasurer for many years. Eddie and Toni moved to Austin, TX in 2007. They were married for 53 years.

Over the years, Eddie learned to work in various artistic mediums, including embroidery, stained glass, woodworking, fly tying, acrylic and water color painting, carving, and even playing the violin. He was always creating, fixing or making something. He also loved to joke and brighten people’s days with stories and jokes and frequently called family and friends just to talk.

Eddie is survived by his wife, Toni, his daughters, Tiffany and Noelle and their husbands, Rev. Duncan Grady (D.G.) Hollums and Craig Roberts; his grandchildren: Caleb Roberts, Haley Roberts and Grace Hollums; his sisters, Shirley Garlington and Dianna and Johnny Bynum. He is preceded in death by his father (Edward Richardson), mother (Elvia Muriel Richardson), and brother-in-law, (Reverend Dr. Gordon Garlington,III). Eddie leaves so many dear friends, fishing buddies, and those touched by the brave, joyful, and kind way he lived his life.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Sat. August 27, 2022, at 1:00 pm at the Cook-Walden Chapel of the Hills, 9700 Anderson Mill Road in Austin, Tx 78750.

Donations may be made in Eddie’s memory to the Parkinson’s Foundation, 200 SE 1st Street, Suite 800, Miami, Florida 33131.