Ken Richardson of Cherryville, MO was born on Tuesday, August 10, 1937 in Brentwood, MO to Fred Joseph Richardson and Dorothy York Richardson. He passed away on Monday, July 6, 2015 in St. Louis, MO at the age of 77 years, 10 months, and 26 days.
Ken graduated from Brentwood High School, Brentwood, MO, in the mid-fifties. He accepted the Lord early in life and met his wife, Pat Moore, at Tower Grove Baptist Church. They were married on June 27, 1957 in St. Louis, MO and to this union seven children were born.
Ken worked various jobs throughout their marriage. He ran a forestry tower at Ebo, MO (near Potosi) for the Conservation Department for two years. He worked at Pea Ridge Mines near Sullivan, MO and at Steelweld Equipment Company in St. Clair, MO.
Ken was a talented blacksmith for over 25 years, shoeing horses throughout the area. He built several muzzleloaders and was a good wood craftsman as he handmade one of his gun stocks out of a piece of cherry wood from a tree on their farm. He was also a skillful artist. He painted many landscapes and portraits inspired by people and places seen while traveling out west. One of his favorites was a Brush Harbor original painting that is owned and cherished by his youngest daughter, Laura. He also enjoyed making headdresses, bows, and other Indian relics. In addition, Ken was a gifted musician, playing the piano and the accordion.
Ken began making knives as a hobby out of old cross cut saw blades. His knives became so popular, it became a full time business in 1975. He began in a shed in his backyard where all the family helped to grow the business known as Ken Richardson Knives. His knives are widely sold throughout the United States and around the world through such venues as Bass Pro, Cabelas, Indian Touch, Monarch Crafts, and many others. He often remarked, because of his talent and interests, that he was born 100 years too late.
Ken was very proud of his family. He was an honest, hardworking, Christian man, who understood the struggles of raising a family on a shoestring budget to providing a comfortable living made possible by his god-given talents. However, in all of his accomplishments, Ken would tell you he was most satisfied with his relationship with the Lord and sharing Christ with those he came in contact with. Ken was a member of Center Point Baptist Church and later attended Boss Assembly of God where he taught Sunday School for over 30 years and Wednesday night Bible study for over 25 years. He loved going to church and teaching others the word of God.
Obviously, Ken loved the outdoors. His hobbies included trapping, hunting, and fishing. His latest endeavor involved teaching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren the art of trapping. He especially favored trapping coyotes. He also loved farming, raising cattle and horses. Ken owned over a 100 head of horses at one time. Among his favorites were foxtrotters, quarter horses, and longhorn cattle.
He was preceded in death by his parents Fred and Dorothy Richardson; daughter Teresa Richardson; grandson Michael Levi Richardson; granddaughter Tabbitha “Abbie” Marie Richardson; great-granddaughter Kiley Cheyenne Richardson; and parents-in-law Edward Wayne Moore and Ruth Pearl (Harman) Moore.
He is survived by his wife Pat Richardson of Cherryville, MO; daughters Rebecca (David) Crocker and Laura (Jason) Halbert all of Steelville, MO; sons Bill (Sandy) Richardson of Steelville, MO, Matt Richardson of Cherryville, MO, Jeff (Jackie) Richardson of Davisville, MO, and Jake (Becky) Richardson of Cherryville, MO; sister Joyce Bateman of Decatur, AL; brothers-in-law Ted (Sonya) Moore and Chris Moore all of Bourbon, MO; 17 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.
Visitation was 4- 8 p.m. on Friday, July 10, 2015 at Hutson Funeral Home, Steelville, MO and Funeral Service was 1p.m. on Saturday, July 11, 2015 at Boss Assembly of God, Boss MO with Pastor Paul Davis officiating. Burial at Eaton Cemetery, Cherryville, MO.
All arrangements under the care of Hutson Funeral Home, Steelville, MO.