Michael Richardson

Hartford City, IN

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 a coach. He loved his job and, in return, was loved by his students and athletes. Though most often thought of as a football coach, at different times in his career he also was a head coach for, at least, boys’ basketball, girls’ basketball, baseball, track, and golf. He was a popular teacher of government, history, psychology, and sociology. Perhaps his greatest teaching legacy was in the effort he made to help students feel included and important in his classroom, even if they struggled to feel important elsewhere. He taught Friday and Saturday school, which students occasionally enjoyed even though it was supposed to be a punishment. He took pride in being asked multiple times to give the commencement address at Blackford, and was a four time recipient of the Christa McAuliffe award for outstanding teaching in 1988, 1994, 2000, and 2006 - an award a teacher could only receive once every six years. He attended an absolutely uncountable number of games, matches, meets, plays, and concerts.

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 (née 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 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. 

Visit WatersFunerals.com to offer condolences or share a memory with his family.

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