Meeting ID: 720 4077 5884
Passcode: DnA7F1
On the 7th day of January, 1944, while much of the world was still at war, the Ford family of Cordell Leamon and Mattie Lee Richardson welcomed son #3. They named him Johnnie D... His brothers gave him strong advice, never cry or run from a fight. Hit hard and hit them, twice. It is said that some people called him bad. His father gave him tempered advice, "the Lord has given you blessings, very many, but to always fight I don't see you winning. Protect your little sister with all your might. She loves you so but don't say your name right." When the teacher noted "When I called on 'Johnnie' not a word was spoke." His parents were good, they deserved his honor, they raised him up in a God fearing manner. Sunday school and church set the stage, he confessed his faith at an early age. Junior Usher, Junior Deacon, he performed in stride, Park Manor Christian Church on Chicago's south side. At Park Manor grade school blessings were evident in academics and in leadership, and in most endeavors. Patrol Boys Captain, Newspaper Editor, voted Outstanding Boys Graduate, could not have done any better.
Hirsch High School class of '61, included participation in things of fun. Just a few awards were won. He always admitted that he had more fun. Donald always wanted to be good at serving multiple functions well, this he loved to tell. From the age of thirteen he could be seen doing part time jobs as a routine. With an inquisitive mind, Don liked to read advertisements from in the trash, he found no cash but the Wall Street Journal had unique content and definitely showed a business bent. As far as his business, Donald put it aside, let it go dormant. He thought it might become latent. At seventeen, following his high school's drum and bugle experience, Donald joined the Illinois National Guard, a six year commitment; they paid his tuition so off to the University of Illinois he went. By '66 he had earned a Liberal Arts Baccalaureate degree, and a strong record of academic achievement. While in his first job out of college, he was motivated by a degree with which he could earn more dollars. He found, in fact, an MBA from the University of Chicago could do just that. $12,500, in fact, so he revived his interest in business that he focused on Banking and Securities tracks.
His personal target of presidency by '84 was reached. Even then, ambition pushed for more. Kansas City combated the lure of New York because it was better for raising the family for sure. In the securities field Donald rose to the position of Senior VP and Director of Research. He wanted to know how things worked. A patron of Janus he was said to be from about the age of about three. He sat on his Daddy's knee and asked about the family tree. He enjoyed a life long hobby of genealogy. Lying dormant at the start, later in life he took up art. Though business decisions were hard, he fought to show he had some heart. To non profits he gave much of his time even when they did not rhyme. Throughout his life he sought to be kind and humble with integrity. On many occasions he did fall short but they are not listed, of course. He departs this world, having accepted his Lord, with the knowledge that he is forgiven. He asked that you celebrate and cheer, any joys that he brought you while here. Those celebrating his life are led by his devoted wife, Marva, who gave her love so tenderly. His children, Pamela, David (Tanesha), Brandi (Tiyan), grandson, Dawson Chase, granddaughters Harper Lynn, Jordan Imani, Lauryn Sky, sister Beverly (Charles), brother, Edward (Doris), nephews, Britain, Corey, Steven, nieces, Alanna, Yvette (Kelvin), Angela, Andrea, Michelle, Krystyn, Kyra, great nieces, friends, colleagues, life long friend, Eugene.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Donald's memory to Jordan, Lauryn, Dawson Chase, and Harper Lynn's 529 College Savings Accounts:
1. Go to ugift529.com
2. Enter the ugift code.
3. Enter your name and amount of your gift
4. make your gift via electronic funds transfer or check
Jordan: G2R-P5A
Lauryn: 58J-Z9H
Dawson Chase: H3V-48S
Harper Lynn: S1C-Y1A
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