Darrell Lee Richardson
An earlier edition of this obituary incorrectly stated that Cletie Warren was the wife of Darrell Lee Richardson. She is the wife of Mr. Richardson's father, the Rev. Raymond Warren.
COLUMBIA — Darrell Lee Richardson was a man who learned early in life the importance of family and the value of service.
His mother, Charlene Burnett, described him as a kind, gentle person who was always trying to help others.
“He would look after his sisters," Burnett said. "He helped me. He did a lot without recognition because he wasn’t looking for glory.”
Mr. Richardson, a resident of Kansas City, died in his mother's home on Thursday, Aug. 12, 2010. He was 57.
He was born June 28, 1953, in Columbia. As a child, Mr. Richardson moved to Chicago with his mother and two sisters, Alisa Maxine Richardson and Andrea Roxine Denard. They lived only a block from Burnett’s sister, Pauline Green. Mr. Richardson often attended class with his aunt at the Moody Bible Institute.
“He would sit in the balcony and listen," Burnett said. "He was proud he attended college classes as a kid. He loved the Lord’s Prayer. It was his favorite scripture.”
Mr. Richardson, a born-again Christian, was always assisting others, Burnett said.
“There was no one too low for him to help,” she added.
When people ask Burnett to speak of Mr. Richardson’s efforts she tells them: “There are so many people, I don’t want to forget one, but the people he helped all know him, and that’s what’s important.”
Mr. Richardson is survived by his daughter, Danielle LaRae Richardson; his son, Darrell DeJohn Richardson; his parents, Charlene Burnett and the Rev. Raymond Warren; seven sisters; four brothers; and four grandchildren.
His son Darrin Ezell died earlier.
Visitation was held at 9 a.m. Friday at the Southside First Baptist Church in Kansas City. Services immediately followed. Mr. Richardson was buried at Forest Hill Cemetery, 6901 Troost Ave. in Kansas City.
