Clarence E. Richardson, age 94, of Capron, Illinois was called home to heaven at 1:30 p.m. Friday, July 8, 2005. He passed away peacefully in his home. Clarence was born January 10, 1911 in Sioux City, Iowa the son of Harvey and Myrtle Richardson. He married Gladys Pearson in 1932. She died in March of 1969. He married Sylvia Ellis on October 16, 1969. She predeceased him on March 16, 2005. His devotion to his wife was unparalleled. He traveled to Maple Crest Care Centre everyday for 10 years when his wife became a resident there. Clarence moved to Illinois in 1939 from Minnesota. He partnered with his Aunt and Uncle, Frank and Libby Kerby on a 90 acre farm in northern Illinois. In 1946, they sold the farm. Clarence then worked for Luther Bowers at the Capron Hardware Store. He later bought the business with partner Norm Ellingson. Clarence quickly became known as "The Capron Hardware Man". He never turned down a service call; no matter the time of day. He loved his work and didn't retire until he was 75 years old. After retirement, he and Sylvia enjoyed traveling. He especially enjoyed their trip to The Holy Land. Clarence was a member of the LeRoy and Panoma Granges. He served as Master of the LeRoy Grange for 15 years and was instrumental in bringing plumbing and electricity into the clubhouse.He served Capron Village as trustee, was a member of Calvary Baptist Church, and a member of the Harvard Moose. Being an avid reader, his favorite book was The Bible. He never spoke a harsh word and truly believed we are all to "love one another". In later years he enjoyed being chauffeured by his grandchildren, drinking a cappuccino and showing them all the farms he serviced during his Capron Hardware days.Survivors include his children, Joanne (Edward) Randall of Capron, IL, Dian Bethea of South Carolina, Edwin Richardson of Hialeah, FL; daughter in law, Geneva Richardson of Mesa, AZ; step-children, Lila (Norman) Svedin, Leslie (Beverly) Ellis, Loren (Beulah) Ellis, Edward (Kay) Ellis sister in-law, Irene Richardson of Alexandria, MN; twelve Grandchildren and numerous Great Grandchildren and Great-Great Grandchildren. Clarence is predeceased by daughter, Alice,; son, Donald; brothers Walter, Harold and Ralph Richardson; and sisters, Florence Mood and Pearl Sherman.His family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to those who made his and their lives easier through their compassion and professionalism. They include, Capron Rescue Squad, David Pocock MD, Boone County Council on Aging, David Hicks OD, his extended family at Maple Crest Care Centre and his care giver Graciano Estrera, Jr.

Memorials can be given in care of the Capron Rescue Squad in his memory.