Mr. Edward Richardson

In Loving Memory Of Edward Knute Richardson was the first-born son of Alice and Edward Knute Richardson. What a day of rejoicing that was and- it HAS never stopped! He was the third of eight children. Edward graduated from Wilbur Wright High School where he excelled in basketball with many honors, awards and write-ups in the newspaper. In fact, Edward boasted that he once made 38 points against renowned basketball player Reggie Harding! He later attended Fisk University on an academic scholarship, along with his cousins James “Sparky” Richardson and Lamar Richardson. The trio excelled in basketball which led them to receive the honor of being inducted into the Fisk Basketball Hall of Fame in 2022. While at Fisk, Edward became a brother of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. He graduated from Fisk in 1965. The trio fondly described this period in their lives as their time “becoming boys to men.” After graduation, Edward became a special education teacher with Detroit Public Schools. He was sought after by many principals, because Edward was known to have a special gift for teaching. What some thought of as unteachable students, Edward found a way to help them learn. In fact, one of his students won the regional spelling bee for special education students. While at White Elementary, Edward co-founded and coached the school’s first ever elementary traveling basketball team. Edward had a quietness and smoothness in his persona which earned him the nicknames “Smooth,” “Mush,” and of course, “Sweet Eddie Sweet.” Edward loved spending time with his family. He and his brothers had a tradition of skipping work during the high school basketball finals. They had breakfast, drove to Lansing and after the game, sat around and enjoyed each other’s company. The Richardsons’ “Fridays” are legendary. Fridays are a celebration where the Richardson children gathered at their parent’s home, along with their many friends, to eat, drink and play cards. This tradition continues when possible. During “Fridays” and at most family gatherings, Edward was the score keeper for their bid whist games. During these games and sports discussions, Edward became almost unrecognizable. The usually quiet, cool, smooth Edward became very vocal and passionate! However, as much as he loved being with family, after a three-day weekend together, he was known to say, “don’t call me and I PROMISE I won’t call you.” Mondays were for Scrabble, a game which Edward loved to play with his sisters. Edward considered himself the Scrabble god (with a little ‘g’) although, legend has it, he only won one tournament. Edward peacefully departed this life on September 10, 2024. His parents Edward Knute and Alice Richardson and sister, Lois Bell preceded him in death. His life will be forever cherished by his son, Edward Knute Thomas; his sisters, Arnoldine Lancaster, Geraldine Allen, Lynette Brown (Leroy) and Shirley Richardson; brothers, James Richardson (Linda), Howard Richardson (Shelia) and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends. Also leaving to cherish his memory are his dear friends James “Goody” Gooden, Glenn Parker and his loving significant other Narvia Twyman. Edward will always be remembered for his honesty, charming personality and his devotion to his family. He will be dearly and truly missed. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10

Mr. Edward Richardson

January 31, 1943 - September 10, 2024