OBITUARY: Jackie Edward Richerson

Jackie Edward Richerson, 74, passed from this life at his home in Golconda at 2:55 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2014.

A life-long Pope Countian, Jack was born Oct. 18, 1939, near the Raum Community, to Homer and Welda (King) Richerson. He graduated Pope County High School in 1957, then became a member of IUOE Local 319 in 1958, working in construction. In 1961, he went into business for himself (Richerson Excavating) doing custom dozer work. On April 6, 1963, Jack married Paula Kay Turley of Rosiclare. The couple had two sons, Brent Alan and Kevin Dale. Always the entrepreneur, Jack pursued interests in farming, selling John Deere equipment, fertilizer, boats, mining coal, and raising Red Angus cattle. After retiring from the excavating business, he concentrated his efforts in row crops and cattle. Aside from his work, Jack lived his life, giving of his time, talents, as well as his resources, serving the community. He placed high value on his family, friends, and anyone who believed in hard work.

He is survived by his wife, Paula Kay; son and daughter-in-law, Kevin and Julie Richerson; four grandchildren, Tara (Dave) Roberts, Alec Richerson, Callie Richerson, Lexie Richerson; sister-in-law, Donna Richerson; nieces; nephews; and a host of friends.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Homer and Welda Richerson; son, Brent Alan Richerson; brother, Jerry Richerson.

Funeral service were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 9, 2014, at Aly Funeral Home in Eddyville. The service was conducted by Pastor Cherrie Wilkerson, Brother Kevin Richerson, and Brother Toby Williams. Interment followed the service at Sulphur Springs Cemetery. Visitation was from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8, 2014, at the funeral home. Masonic service was conducted at 7:30 p.m. during the visitation.

Memorials may be made to: Pope County Senior Citizens P.O. Box 246, Golconda, Ill. 62938, M*A*S*H* 62938 P.O. Box 545 Golconda, Ill. 62938, Hospice of Southern Illinois 305 S. Illinois, Belleville, Ill. 62222.