Langston Eugene Richardson

Langston “Rich” E. Richardson, Jr, 89, passed away on September 26, 2018, in Easton, MD. A child of the Great Depression, Rich grew up in the wilds of rural Louisiana where at the age of 5 he met his first and only sweetheart of 84 years, Murlene Richardson (nee Clark), to whom he was married for 65 years. Rich joined the US Navy out of high school and began an adventure that took him all over the world and the US as an enlisted man and officer. During his time in the Navy, he served his country in the Korean War and devoted himself to the difficult homefront of Vietnam, comforting the loved ones of those lost in combat. He was a Navy “Mustang” and worked long nights on his education culminating in an officer’s commission and a Master's degree from George Washington University. His final station was at Quantico Naval Hospital, where he retired as a lieutenant commander in the Medical Service Corps and expert poker player after 24 years of service. Some might slow down after their first retirement, but Rich was just getting started. After the Navy, he worked to found, build and manage Potomac Hospital in Woodbridge, VA, serving as its first administrator. After his retirement there, he became the administrator of Stonewall Jackson Hospital in Lexington, VA, where he served the community for ten years and the Richardson Christmas party was a highlight of the holidays every year. After his third and final retirement, he and Murlene traveled throughout the US, frequently visiting family and friends. When his wife fell ill after a stroke, Rich lovingly cared for her himself every day for over a decade without a word of complaint. He was a longstanding member of Rotary International, a Master Mason (Scottish Rite), past President of the Rockbridge County Chamber of Commerce, amateur boxer, avid gardener, patriot, devoted friend and the boss of any room he walked into throughout his life. He loved his family and was happy in their company, and generous with his time as his grandchildren and great-grandchildren grew up to whom he was known as “The Great Great Daddy” – which he found hilarious. Rich was a man of few words, but always had high expectations of those around him and himself. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is preceded in death by his wife, Murlene Richardson ,and his first son, Michael Gene Richardson. He is survived by his son, Daniel C. Richardson (Lillie) of Stevensville, MD; his daughter-in-law, Cecelia Richardson of Hartford City, IN; his grandchildren, Daniel C. Richardson Jr (Kalah) of Alexandria, VA, Dr. Joshua D. Richardson (Alice) of Greenwich, CT, Shannon E. Fear (Justin) of Hartford City, IN, and his great grandchildren, Finn J. Richardson, Charlotte I. Richardson of Alexandria, VA, and Charles M. Fear of Hartford City, IN. He passed away peacefully after a short, painless illness in the company of his family, happy to go on his own terms to join his beloved wife and son. Anchors Aweigh, Old Boy! A graveside service will be held on Friday, October 19, 2018, at 12pm at Quantico National Cemetery in Quantico, VA. Those wishing to honor Rich are encouraged to make donations to the Navy/Marine Corps Relief Society, www.nmcrs.org.

Langston Eugene Richardson

June 17, 1929 - September 26, 2018