Steven D. Richardson, 79, of Jacksonville, died Sunday, February 9, 2025, at Springfield Memorial Hospital.

He was born August 8, 1945, in Jacksonville, the son of Donald and Mildred (Middleton) Richardson. Steven first married Judy Detmer in 1967 and later married Diane (Pride) Waldon in 1988. Diane preceded him in death in 2023.

Steven is survived by his children, Rachelle (Pat) Morrisey of Jacksonville, Travis Richardson (Lisa Hannant) of Springfield, and Elizabeth Richardson (Scott Moshage) of Shiloh; stepson, Nathan Waldon (Jill Bruington) of Jacksonville; grandchildren, Tate and Jett Morrisey, Adam and Natalie Moshage, Alexis Willis, and Gloria Waldon; sister, Carol (Larry) Ferguson of Eureka; brother, Charles (Darlene) Richardson of Jacksonville; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; brother in infancy, Dale Richardson; and sister, Martha Kleinschmidt.

Steven graduated from Jacksonville High School in 1963. He then attended University of Illinois before he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1965. Steven was sent to Vietnam, serving in the 9th Infantry Division and the Mobile Riverine Force. He received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal. He was also an Expert Marksman with an M14 Rifle.

After returning home in 1967, he worked on the family farm west of Jacksonville, with his father, Donald and brother, Charles. Steven was a lifelong farmer until his health prevented him from continuing. He was proud to have bred and raised shorthorn cattle. Steven was a member of the Elks Lodge in Jacksonville and had served on many boards and committees of Agriculture related industries through the years. He had also attended Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church. Steven was a St. Louis Cardinals and Illini fan. He loved attending his grandchildren's sporting events and spending time with family. Steven was incredibly proud of his grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, February 15, 2025, at the Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville. The family will meet friends from 9:00 AM until the time of service. Cremation rites will be accorded, and he will be interred at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield at a later date. Memorial donations are suggested to Land of Lincoln Honor Flight. The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville is in charge of the arrangements.