Louis G. "Jerry" Richardson

Gerald grew up in San Saba, Texas and after High School he went to Austin, Texas to finish his education at the University of Texas. These plans were changed when he was drafted to serve in the U.S. Army during WWII in the 36th Infantry Division. He received training in mechanics and became an expert in repairing military equipment. He served with the Butler Task Force in France and into Austria, where the last shot was fired in August, 1944.

Gerald, along with his friend, Thielepape, recovered a German mine - damaged, 36 Reconnaissance M8 Greyhound armored car, restored it, then used it to pull his mobile shop. When the Butler Task Force had a shortage of fast-moving vehicles, he delivered the armored car to the Special Task Force where he served the duration of the war. For this, he received the Bronze Star.

After the war, Gerald returned to Austin and married the love of his life, Marie Smelser. They had two children Maribeth and Dick, and a grandchild, Evan.

Gerald was a great fisherman and spent many happy times at his lake-side home when his children were small. Later, he sold this property and purchased land near Liberty Hill where the children could have horses. During this time Gerald was successful as an entrepreneur, having operated two gas stations and mechanic shops in Austin as well as Smokey’s Smoked Chicken in Austin and Ft. Worth.

The family will receive friends from six o’clock until eight o’clock in the evening on Monday, the 6th of August 2012, at the Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 North Lamar Blvd, Austin, Texas.

A funeral service will be held at ten o’clock in the morning on Tuesday, the 7th of August 2012, in the Colonial Chapel of Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 North Lamar Boulevard, Austin, Texas with Ron Bell, minister of Hyde Park Church of Christ officiating. Interment will follow at Austin Memorial Park Cemetery.

Condolence may be made at www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com.