FRANKLIN
January 1, 1946 – September 7, 2024
Michael Joe Richardson, “Mike”, “Dad”, “Mr. Richardson,” or simply, “Coach,” passed away peacefully on September 7, 2024 at the age of 78. He was surrounded in his final days by his family.
Mike was a New Year’s baby, born on January 1, 1946 in Hartford City, Indiana, to Dr. I. Dale Richardson and Helen Mae (Berry) Richardson. Though his family moved a bit in his early years, they returned to Hartford City where they opened a Veterinary Clinic in time for him to attend William Reed Elementary. He grew up in Blackford County and attended Hartford City High School before attending Ball State University.
Mike was born to be a Teacher and Coach. He loved teaching, and in return he was loved by his students. Early in his career Mike spent a year at Franklin Community High School where he taught and coached baseball in 1975. However, his teaching legacy was at Blackford High School where he coached all sports and connected with all students in the classroom and where he retired from teaching in 2009. In 2020, Mike moved to Franklin to be close to family and he was a resident of Otterbein Community.
Outside of work, Mike enjoyed spending time with his family and following sports – especially of his children and grandchildren, the Blackford Bruins, the Ohio State Buckeyes, and the Cleveland Guardians (nee Indians). He loved camping, fishing, and watching old courtroom dramas and Lifetime movies. He made incredible breakfasts and would occasionally spontaneously make up songs and sing them loudly. He was a gifted storyteller and was blessed with a great voice for it. His other notable hobby was repeatedly telling his kids how much he loved them and how proud of them he was, even though he never gave them reason to doubt either.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents and his little brother Stephen, who was stillborn. He is survived by his children Krista Keller (Joe) Wanko, Josh and Kari (Roush) Richardson, Adam and Betsy (Bergdoll) Richardson, Tyler Richardson, and Tobin and Alexis (Kiesel) Richardson, as well as his sisters, Beth (Nick) Rhodes and Jonne (Chip) Hough. He is currently the grandfather of eight boys and two girls. Mike was previously married to Nancy (Ford) Richardson for twenty-two years and he considered her the best possible teammate in his life’s greatest achievement.
Mike was a public school teacher that raised five kids and put everything he had into supporting them. Additionally, he loved buying gifts for his grandchildren and providing generous tips to waitresses – he didn’t accumulate material wealth. What he left behind, however, is invaluable.
A visitation will be held in the cafeteria of Blackford High School in Hartford City on September 21st from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., followed by a 5 p.m. service. Visitors should enter through doors 17 on the south side of the building.
In lieu of flowers, consider making an extra effort to make someone feel special or appreciated in his honor.
