Joseph W. Richardson

Joseph Wayne Richardson

AM1 (AW) Joseph Wayne Richardson USN, 34, of Port Hueneme, Ca, formerly of Lehigh Ia. passed away on May 12, 2009. Funeral services will held at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 28, 2009 at the Bruce-Graham Funeral Home with the CDR Michael C. Wolfram officiating. Interment will follow in the West Lawn Cemetery, Lehigh, with full military honors. Visitation will be held from 5 until 9 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Joseph Wayne Richardson was born on December 26, 1974 in Fort Dodge, Iowa. He was raised in Lehigh, IA until he graduated from Southeast Webster High School in 1993. He then worked in Webster City until his enlistment into the United States Navy in 1995. Once Joseph enlisted in the Navy, he found his niche in the world. He began a career in which he excelled above any expectations. Starting at the bottom of Navy ranks, Joseph achieved and accomplished excellence as well as earning the admiration and respect of his entire squadron and everyone who crossed his path in life. Due to Joe's dedication and determination the Navy was fast tracking him toward the rank of Chief. Joseph was known for his love of family, friends, and his Navy Career. He loved spending time with his daughter and with his family in Iowa when he would return home on leave. He had many interests such as cars, camping, and four wheeling with his jeep and 4-wheeler in the hills and mountains of California. Joseph always had a smile on his face and a personality that put everyone at ease. He always had a comment that made you smile.

Josephs awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (4 awards), Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy E Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal (3 awards), National Defense Service Medal (2 awards), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Global War On Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War On Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (4 awards) as well as various other individual accolades.

Joseph is survived by his daughter Madison Richardson of Lemoore, CA, his parents: Dan and Eileen Richardson of Lehigh, IA, his sister: Danelle Kennedy and brother in law Randy Lenz of Barnum, IA, and two nephews: Christian Kennedy of Barnum, IA and Cameron Kennedy of Manson, IA. He was loved and honored by many; he will be sadly missed by all.

Bruce-Graham Funeral Home