Alva Joel Richardson, age 90, of Richmond, Indiana, died Thursday, August 18, 2022, at Friends Fellowship Community.
Born February 18, 1932, in Richmond, Indiana, to Francis and Minnie Caskey Richardson, Alva was a life-long resident of Wayne County, Indiana. He graduated from Richmond High School in 1949. During high school, Alva worked at Leland Bowling Alley and Flaugers grocery. During the summer months, he enjoyed working for farmers. After graduation, Alva was employed at Davis Mower Company and Crosley and then served a 2-year apprenticeship at Taube Tool Company. Alva completed the last two years of his apprenticeship at Knowles Tool Corporation and then continued to work there for 43 years, until his retirement in 1995.
Alva bowled with the Knowles bowling team for several years. He was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church for 36 years, and in recent years was an active member of First English Lutheran Church. Alva attended bible study classes. He was a Reserve Deputy Officer for the Wayne County Sherriff’s Department for 33 years, retiring in 2008, and a member of Fraternal Order of Police. Alva was a member of Webb Lodge No. 24, F. & A.M., and Indianapolis Valley of Scottish Rite, and Indianapolis Murat Shrine. He enjoyed spending time and going on vacations with his family, reading, completing computer projects for himself and others, and working on anything mechanical or electrical.
Survivors include his daughters, Leslie (Jerry) Kelley of Indianapolis and Sandy (Karl) Elsrod and Susan (Tom) Rohe of Centerville, Indiana; grandchildren, Scott (Angela) Farmer, Brian (Joni) Farmer, Lexii Kelley, Thomas Kelley, Wyatt (Alex) Kelley, Angela (Justin) Duncan, Lindsey (Scott) Marcum, Karli (Kris) Heiderich, Matthew (Heidi) Rohe, Chris (Jen) Rohe, and Sarah Rohe; 21 great-grandchildren; and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Janice Heath Richardson, to whom he was married August 8, 1959; daughter, Lynn Farmer; grandson, David Elsrod; and parents.
The family would like to send a special thank you to the staff at Friends Fellowship Community for the wonderful care they provided to Alva.
Visitation for Alva Joel Richardson will be from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monday, August 22, 2022, at Doan & Mills Funeral Home, 790 National Road West, Richmond. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 23, 2022, with Pastor John Walker officiating at Mills Funeral Home, 405 East Main Street, Centerville. NOTE LOCATION CHANGE. Burial will be in Crown Hill Cemetery, Centerville.
Memorial contributions may be made to: David Elsrod Memorial Scholarship, c/o Centerville-Abington Dollars for Scholars, 507 Willow Grove Road, Centerville, IN 47330 or First English Lutheran Church, 2727 East Main Street, Richmond, IN 47374.
Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.