Chester David Richardson

Chester David Richardson, 86, of Paragould, passed from this life on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, at Liberty Park Senior Living in Jonesboro. He was born in St. Louis on July 6, 1937, to the late Orville and Mable Witcher Richardson. Chester graduated from Stanford High School in 1957. In May of 1958, Chester married Leona Blalack on the day she graduated from high school. They remained married until her passing in 2020. Chester worked for years as an industrial electrician for Crane Company in Jonesboro and Parker Hannifin in Trumann. He served in the Army National Guard for a few years and volunteered as a fireman for the Philadelphia Fire Department. He loved spending time with his family whether he was camping, playing games, or singing. Chester sang with the Starlanders gospel singers for almost two decades. He was a member of Lorado Baptist Church and was ordained a Deacon in 1980. He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Leona Faye Richardson; parents, Orville and Mable Richardson; brother, Kenneth Richardson; infant son, Dale Richardson; and sisters-in-law, Betty Richardson and Lois Richardson.

Chester is survived by his daughters, Donna (Jeff) Sanford of Jonesboro and Karen (Phillip) Bowers of Paragould; granddaughters, Kayla (Trevor) Gramling of Paragould and Kelsi (Travis) Tunstall of Jonesboro; great grandsons, Camden Gramling and Caimen Gramling of Paragould and Auggie Tunstall of Jonesboro; brother, Jimmy Richardson of Trumann; and sister, Phyllis (Rev. Kenny) Johnson of Paragould.

The family will receive friends on Friday, December 15, 2023, from 1-2:30 PM at Heath Funeral Home. A graveside funeral will begin at 3 PM at Pine Log Cemetery with Revs. Kenny Johnson and Randy Britton officiating. Pallbearers will be Trevor Gramling, Travis Tunstall, Tim Johnson, Ray Copeland, Brandon Martin, and Michael Hamilton. To honor Chester, please send memorials to Lorado Baptist Church.