John O. “Rich” Richeson, 84, of Festus died Feb. 5, 2024, at his home. Mr. Richeson, a 1957 De Soto High School graduate, ran track and field in 1955-57, holding a school record for hurdles for many years. He served his country in the U.S. Army. After his military service, Rich earned master's and doctorate degrees in Education and Administration from Southeast Missouri State in Cape Girardeau. He taught at Sacred Heart Catholic School in 1968, and Grandview Grade School 1968-1976. In 1976, he was hired at Festus Middle School as Principal and remained in that position until his retirement in 1995. He was a MSHSAA starter for cross country and track meets for 20 years throughout the county. He was a member of Our Lady Catholic Church in Festus, the American Legion Peebles Vaughn Wideman Post 253 and Knights of Columbus 3rd Degree Council 1185 in De Soto. He also served on the Festus Park Board. He loved watching his children and grandchildren play sports and was a fan of the Denver Broncos. Born July 12, 1939, in St. Louis, he was the son of the late Rachel J. (Long) and John J. Richeson.
He is survived by his wife: Joyce J. (nee Barton) Richeson whom he married July 10, 1965, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in De Soto; two children: Dr. Coby Richeson of Indianapolis, Ind., and Shannon Richeson of Festus; three grandchildren: Elijah Richeson, Brooke Richeson and LillieAnne Richeson; two sisters: Debbie Richeson of Festus and Pattijo Richeson of Sullivan; a brother: Guideon Richeson of St. Jacob, Ill.; a brother-in-law: Jim (Ava) Barton of Highland Park, Ill.; Connie Cashdollar of Floral City, Fla.; and many other family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his son: Cary John Richeson; a brother: Dennis Richeson; and a brother-in-law: Lloyd “Sonny” Barton.
Visitation is scheduled from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8, at Mahn Twin City Chapel, 515 Collins Dr., in Festus. An additional visitation is scheduled for 10 a.m. until a funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 9, at Our Lady’s Catholic Church, 1550 St. Mary Lane, in Festus, officiated by Fr. Mike Boehm. Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Crystal City. Mr. Richeson requested that those in attendance should dress casually. Memorials may be made to St. Jacob Lions Club, Summer Camp for vision and hearing-impaired students, PO Box 212, St. Jacob, IL 62281. Arrangements are under the direction of Mahn Twin City Chapel.