Henry Richardson

Henry Louis Richardson was born September 17, 1923, in Kansas City, Missouri. He was the third of seven children born to Will and Beulah (Robinson) Richardson. He was preceded in death by his parents and all his siblings, Lee, Bennie, Ethel, William, Roscoe, and Gertrude. Highly regarded family Elder, loving father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, cousin and friend, Henry Louis ?Tunney? Richardson departed this life on December 31, 2017, at the Veterans Administration Hospital of Kansas City, Missouri. Henry, most commonly known by his nickname, Tunney (pronounced ?too nee?), attended Charles Sumner Elementary School, R. T. Coles Junior High School and graduated from Central High School, Class of 1940. Tunney?s Christian education began as a Sunday school student at the Macedonia Baptist Church where his uncles, Deacons Isaac ?Ike? and John Richardson were Charter Members. Tunney?s confession of faith was later confirmed by his baptism on December 31, 1989, at Macedonia under the pastorate of the late Reverend Preston Allen, Jr. He cherished his baptism into the family of God and kept his Baptismal Certificate on display in his home. Macedonia Baptist Church continued to be the Richardson family place of worship for decades. Tunney?s membership continued under the current pastor, John L. Brooks, until failing health prevented him. His commitment to support the work of the Ministry compelled him to continue sending his tithes as long as he could. He spoke of his church often and was so blessed to see the new edifice built and the ministry flourishing. Tunney served in the United States Army from February 1943 through December 1945, as a Technical Sergeant. He was awarded two Bronze Stars for his presence during the Normandy Campaign in Northern France. Upon return to Kansas City, he attended business college. His phenomenal Typing speed, Penmanship and Administrative skills landed him various positions with the Social Security Administration, United States Post Office, and the Internal Revenue Service. Tunney met Student Nurse, Zettie Brown, who was attending Kansas City?s General #2 Hospital. They were married in 1954. To this union their only child, Gloria Elaine was born. He adored his daughter and remained an undeniably doting father. Upon migrating to Chicago, Illinois, Tunney was favored in finding employment with several brokerage firms in Chicago?s Historic LaSalle Street Financial District. Later, and for many years, he worked for the Carson, Pirie, Scott (Dillard?s in other regions) department store. Finally, he retired as the Doorman from the renowned Chicago Yacht Club. He was very dearly loved wherever he worked. Anyone who met him immediately recognized his charm, intellect, humor and wit. He was full of stories, poems, anecdotes, quips and quotes. He told jokes with impeccable timing and delivery. Tunney would likely attribute this ability to his close friendship with the famous African American comedian, Nipsey Russell. Tunney honed his public speaking skills as a member of Toastmasters. It?s clich?, but Tunney never met a stranger. He was the consummate gentleman, ready helper, generous and loyal friend. Most of all, he loved his family. He returned to Kansas City in 1987, to take care of his three ailing brothers. He took residence in the newly constructed Pemberton Heights Apartments where the nickname, ?the Governor? was conferred upon him. It was at Pemberton Heights, the Palestine Senior Center and Northland Adult Day Care where the best of Tunney?s personality, character, charm, wit, and skill at billiards was on full display. Henry Louis Richardson leaves to cherish precious memories, his daughter, Gloria Elaine Richardson; grandson, Carl Anthony Guyton (Carsa); great-grandchildren: Caleb, Clarke, and Cruz Guyton all of Chicago, Illinois; nephew, Dr. Lee Richardson, Jr. (Gladys) who diligently attended to him during his advanced years; nieces and nephews: Wayne, Elmer, Carmen, Brice, Erich, Cynthia, and Marlon who held him in the esteem of a father, all of Los Angeles, California; cousins: Patricia Jackson of Columbia, Missouri, Jackie Adams, Fredrica, and Richard Liggons of Chicago, Illinois; Pastor Melvin King (Florene), Joe King (Ernestine), L.C. Richardson; long-time, devoted best friend, Deacon Douglas L. Ford, aka ?Skeets?, all of Kansas City, Missouri; former Veteran Administration Foster Family, the Orekoyas, and Joe Charleston, all of Kansas City, Kansas; and a host of other cousins, grand-nieces, nephews, and friends. Funeral Service for Henry Louis Richardson will be held Thursday, January 11, 10:30 a.m.at Macedonia Baptist Church, 1700 E. Linwood Blvd. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at the Church. Interment, 2:30 p.m. Leavenworth National Cemetery

Henry Richardson

September 17, 1923 - December 31, 2017