George Michael "Mike" Richardson, 66, of Hillsboro, MO formerly of Olney IL passed away peacefully Monday, April 27, 2015 at his home in Hillsboro after a two year battle with cancer.  Mass of Christian Burial at Church of the Good Shephard in Hillsboro, Mo.  Burial at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, Mo.

Mike was born on November 12, 1948 in Olney, IL the son of George L. and Rosalyn A. Richardson.  He graduated from East Richland High school in 1966. He was drafted into the army in 1969.  Returning to Olney in 1971, he began working at Richardson Electric.  He graduated at the top of his class as a Master Electrician in 1976. He became the third generation owner of Richardson Electric in 1986 and a member of IBEW Local 725 out of Terre Haute IN. He sold the business in 2005 and then moved to St. Louis, MO and worked for Guarantee Electric for 7 years.

He married Lillian Gretchen Hamley on November 29, 1969 and had three children. On June 30, 2010 he married Debra Ann Forrest.  He is survived by his mother, Rosalyn Richardson, daughter, Raquel (Jeff) White, two sons, Matthew and Mark Richardson (Courtney); grandchildren, Haley, Ethan, Dylan, Austin, Langston & Rosie; his step-children Emily (Chad) Agnolucci, Michael Forrest; and step-grandchildren Emma, Lucy, Lauren, CJ, and Dylan.  He is also survived by his sisters, Mary (Garry) Maris, Martha (Mike) Peavler, Trish (Dave) Berry, and Julie (Tony)
Perrin.

As a lifetime member of the Olney Elks Lodge 926, he was a certified Elks Ritual Judge on the State and National Level. He also coached the Olney and Flora Elks teams to win multiple state titles. He was formerly a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and volunteer of the St. Joe Booster Club in Olney. He was a lifelong waterfowl hunter, fisherman and golfer. Mike spent countless hours of his free time playing cards with his family and friends, rooting on the St. Louis Cardinals, and cheering on his children and grandchildren's numerous sporting activities.

He was preceded in death by his father, and a niece, Elizabeth Peavler.

Family and friends are welcome to celebrate Mike's life at the Olde Tyme Steakhouse and Olney Elks Lodge from 5:30-7:30 PM this Saturday, May 2, 2015. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to: SSM Hospice & Home Care Foundation, 10143 Paget Drive, St. Louis, MO 63132 or the Olney Elks Lodge 926 311 S. Kitchell Ave. Olney IL 62450.

Summers-Kistler Funeral Home, Olney obituary and photo posted - April 28, 2015