Robert E. Richardson

Robert Eugene "Bob" Richardson, 87, passed away on July 28, 2026. Born in Arrington, Illinois, to the late Lawrence and Irma (King) Richardson, Bob was the youngest of five children.

A 1957 graduate of Fairfield High School, Bob excelled in athletics, especially basketball. He became the first member of his family to attend college, earning a degree in Education from Eastern Illinois University. He began his career in 1962 as a high school basketball coach and business teacher in Greenville, Kentucky. Two years later, he and his wife, Julie, moved to Indianapolis, where both joined the Washington Township School District.

While teaching at Northview Middle School and North Central High School, Bob earned a master's degree in Business Education from Ball State University and completed additional graduate studies in school business management and finance at Indiana State and Butler Universities. In 1970, he became Assistant Business Director for Washington Township, combining his passion for education with financial leadership. During this time, he also served as an IHSAA basketball official for 17 years. In 1982, Bob became Business Manager for Perry Township Schools, a position he held until retiring in 1998 after 36 years in education.

Bob's greatest blessing began during his college years while working as a delivery driver for Swift Meat Packing Company. A stop at a bakery in Elwood, Indiana, introduced him to Julie Hennegan, the love of his life. They married in August 1964 and shared 61 wonderful years together, raising two daughters, Robin and Jill. After several years in Indianapolis, they built their family home in Westfield in 1975, where they created a lifetime of memories with family and friends.

Bob and Julie loved traveling, with Ireland, Hawaii, Alaska, and especially Gulf Shores, Alabama, holding special places in their hearts. Since 1990, their Gulf Shores condo has become a cherished gathering place where children, grandchildren, and friends have created lasting memories together.

Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Julie; his parents; his brothers James (J.O.), Carson, and Fred Richardson; his sister Alberta Henson; and his son-in-law, Tim Fletchall. He is survived by his daughters, Robin (David) Lynch and Jill Fletchall; grandchildren Robbie (Molly) Lynch, Shelby Lynch, Molly (Jakob) Heggeland, Patrick Fletchall, and Ryan Fletchall; and his great-granddaughter, Lainey Grace Heggeland, whose visits brought him immense joy.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate caregivers at Woodland Terrace of Carmel and Anchor of Hope Hospice, as well as the ministry staff of Second Presbyterian Church, where Bob and Julie were faithful members and devoted volunteers for many years.

Memorial contributions may be made to Second Presbyterian Church (my.secondchurch.org) or to the Richardson Family Future Educator Scholarship, established by Robin and Jill to honor their parents' lifelong commitment to education: (https://bit.ly/TheRichardsonFamilyFutureEducatorScholarship)

There will be a celebration of life for Bob on Saturday, August 15th at 12:30 in Milner Chapel at Second Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis.