Col. Harold Nelson Richardson, Sr., US Army, Retired

It is with profound sorrow, we announce the passing of our father and husband, Colonel Harold Nelson Richardson, Sr. - a distinguished military leader, devoted family man, an honored friend and a true patriot. The Colonel departed this life on January 1, 2024 leaving behind a legacy of honor, courage, and unwavering dedication to his family, friends, and country.

He was born on September 23, 1942 in Alma, Michigan to Harriett Agness Dunn and Harold Nelson Abbott.

Inspired by his H.S. teachers, he attended Central Michigan University (CMU) where he intended to follow in their footsteps, but after completing his required 2 years of ROTC training, he decided to make the military his career. He graduated as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserves before graduating from Ordinance Officer School in January 1965. He later received his MS in Systems Management from Florida Institute of Technology, as well as completing studies at US Army War College and MIT. In the Spring of 2011, he was inducted into the CMU ROTC Hall of Fame in recognition of his outstanding service to Central Michigan University and the United States of America.

He served 27 Years on Active Duty rising to the rank of Colonel and becoming one of the nation’s foremost experts in Air and Missile Defense Systems. After his first assignment with the 21st Support Group in Korea, he served in various logistics, research and development, and staff coordinating assignments related to the advancement of Army Air and Missile Defense capabilities. His assignments include: Advisor to South Korean Air Defense Brigade in Seoul; Maintenance Company Commander for an Air Defense Battalion; Deputy G4 and then to the top position of G4, both of the 32nd Army Air Defense Command; TRADOC Air Defense Training Device Program Officer; the Army Deputy Chief of Staff for Research, Development, and Acquisition, Missiles and Munitions Division responsible for coordinating all Patriot Air Defense International Programs, the Army Anti-Tactical Missile Program, and the Corps SAM Program. He culminated his career on active duty, as the First Director of the Theater Missile Defense Program for the Strategic Defense Initiative Organization (SDIO), Ronald Reagan’s Presidentially Chartered organization and administered by the Department of Defense from 1987-1992, where he co-authored the first official theater missile defense master plan.

Colonel Richardson was a trailblazer in the field of Ballistic Missile Defense and played a pivotal role in the development and implementation of strategic defense initiatives that became famously coined by the press as the "Star Wars" program and is credited as having finally brought the Soviet Union to collapse because of their inability to compete. Colonel Richardson’s expertise and dedication in these critical areas earned him accolades and recognition, as he contributed significantly to the security and defense capabilities of the nation. At his retirement in 1992, he was awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal (DSSM) by the Honorable Richard Cheney, Secretary of Defense and “Certificate of Appreciation of Service in the Armed Forces” from George Bush, Commander-in-Chief,

“I extend to you my personal thanks and the sincere appreciation of a grateful nation for your contribution of honorable service to our country. You have helped maintain the security of the nation during the critical time in its history, with the devotion to duty and a spirit of sacrifice in keeping with the proud tradition of the military service. I trust that in the coming years you will maintain an active interest in the armed forces and the purpose for which you serve. My best wishes to you for happiness and success in the future. Signed George Bush, commander in chief.”

Retiring from active service, he continued to exemplify a life of service, both to his family and country by continuing to use his expertise as the Director of the International Program Office for Bunyard Enterprises in support of the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization, and later as a Senior Analyst for Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC). He is recognized for creating the annual Multinational BMD Conference and Exhibition, for which there were 25 conferences held internationally by the time he finally retired.

In a career marked by honor and dignity, he exemplified leadership qualities that sometimes stood in stark contrast to the tumultuous political climate of his time. His steady demeanor and principled approach served as a beacon of inspiration, reminding us all that true leadership transcends the noise of the moment. As a long-standing Republican, it is worth noting that he held strong convictions, including a well-known disappointment with the current Republican party.

He was a loving and devoted husband to Michele Lee Richardson, providing unwavering support throughout their 57 years of marriage. As a father, he instilled in his children Harold Nelson, Jr. and Susanne Lee, the values of integrity, discipline, and the importance of serving a cause greater than oneself.

A man of many talents and interests, the Colonel was a lifelong learner and enjoyed learning about a range of topics including military history, aviation, trains, and much more, thereby enriching his life and the lives of those around him. There wasn’t a topic that he couldn’t comment on and not one in which he had not increased his knowledge by satisfying his curiosity.

The Colonel had an unexpected love for animals, particularly his canine companions. Though he never actively sought out pets, he always ended up forming deep bonds with his dogs. Abby, Cookie, and Ipunie were not just pets; they were cherished members of the family, providing him with unwavering companionship and loyalty. He returned that love in kind.

The Colonel's memory will be cherished by his family: his loving wife, Michele Lee Richardson; his proud children: son, Harold Nelson and his partner Sandra Kramer, and daughter, Susanne Lee. He is also survived by many family members in California, Michigan, and Washington. While his family understood the demands of his job kept him away from home, one of his personal regrets was that he did not get to experience more with his immediate family and that time was wasted with unnecessary separations from his extended family.

A memorial gathering will be held from 2:00 to 6:00 PM with a memorial service beginning at 4:00 PM on Saturday, January 20, 2024 at Murphy Funeral Home, 4510 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22203. Interment with full military honors will be held at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery.

As we mourn the loss of a true American hero, we find solace in the memories of his leadership, sacrifice, and the enduring impact he made on the lives of those he served alongside and loved. May Colonel Harold N. Richardson rest in peace, knowing that his legacy will endure in the annals of military history and in the hearts of all who were privileged to know him.

We invite you to share your memories and upload photos of The Colonel to the memories section below. Your stories and reflections will serve as a comfort to all who loved him, as well as a testament to his incredible life.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that you make donations to the Fisher House, an organization close to Colonel Richardson’s heart, especially, as it provided his family with comfortable and safe housing while he had open heart surgery in 2013.