In Honor of a Hero, Forever in Our Hearts

CSM Todd Thomas Richardson, Sr., U.S. Army (Retired), spent 63 years living a life defined by faith, family, service, and adventure—loving fiercely, leading humbly, and embracing every opportunity to make a difference. He was born on June 6, 1963, in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Though his earthly mission ended July 26, 2026, his legacy—as a Soldier, servant, husband, father, Papa, coach, mentor, and patriot—will continue to live on in the countless lives he touched. His personal motto, "Train...Mentor...Lead," was more than a phrase—it was the blueprint for the life he faithfully lived.

After graduating from high school in 1982, Todd answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Army in July of that same year. Over the course of his military career he proudly served with the legendary 82nd Airborne Division, the Iowa Army Reserve, the Iowa National Guard, the Massachusetts National Guard, before ultimately retiring from the Texas Army National Guard as a Command Sergeant Major after 27 years of distinguished service, remaining on jump status throughout his career.

Todd deployed in support of Operation Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom II, and Operation New Dawn, earning the admiration and respect of fellow Soldiers through his courage, humility, and steadfast leadership.

Among his most distinguished military honors were the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (2 Awards), Army Commendation Medal (3 Awards), Combat Infantryman Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, and the Expert Infantryman Badge, and the Order of Saint Maurice Medallion. His military service was further recognized with the Southwest Asia Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, National Defense Service Medal (2 Awards), Armed Forces Reserve Medal with "M" Device, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. Throughout his career, Todd often reminded Soldiers that leadership was not about rank—it was about taking care of people. The medals reflected his service, but the Soldiers he trained, mentored, and led became his greatest accomplishment.

Retirement simply marked the beginning of another chapter of service. Todd devoted countless hours to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, where his leadership and passion continued to make a lasting impact. He served as Past Department Deputy State Inspector, Founding Commander of VFW Post 12160, Past District 6 Commander, and was proudly serving as the 2026–2027 Department of Texas BBQ Chairman and Senior Vice Commander of the recently merged SGT Brooks/CPL Goyet VFW Post 3837 in Calallen, Texas.

As Department BBQ Chairman, Todd organized barbecue cook-offs throughout the State of Texas, bringing VFW Posts together in friendly competition while raising food and support for active-duty Soldiers serving on the Texas Border Mission. His service also reached deep into the Sinton community. Working alongside school counselors, teachers, and Ms. Burnell, he proudly promoted VFW scholarship opportunities to local students. Whether he was standing under a tent outside Pirate Stadium at the first football game of the season handing out scholarship information, conducting a Buddy Poppy Drive, recruiting the next generation of VFW members, Todd could always be found serving others. He was, in every sense of the word, a true patriot.

Family and friends often joked that Todd worked harder after retirement than he ever had before. He never slowed down, especially if Amy had another adventure planned. Whether it meant stopping for selfies at the World's Largest Peanut, walking mile after mile through Times Square with Amy and the grandkids, or loading up for another road trip, he was happiest simply being together. He loved Sunday dinners at R Heart Ranch surrounded by family and friends, cooking barbecue, hunting, and catching up with a Lone Star Light.

Above every title he earned, every medal he received, and every position he held, Todd treasured being a husband, father, and grandfather. Nothing brought him greater pride than cheering from the sidelines as Papa, Grandpa, or affectionately Pookie. Whether it was baseball, basketball, football, gymnastics, soccer, softball, track, or wrestling, his grandchildren never had to look far to find him in the stands. He was their biggest fan. To many young men in the community, he was also simply known as Coach Todd, faithfully investing in countless youth through football, teaching them not only the game but also discipline, respect, teamwork, and character.

Todd's faith remained the foundation of his life. A devoted member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sinton, he faithfully served as a Third-Degree Knight with Knights of Columbus Council #14776. His faith was never confined to Sunday mornings. It was evident in his daily actions—serving others before himself, extending a helping hand whenever needed, and living with humility, integrity, and compassion.

Todd was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Richardson, and his stepfather, Larry Stutzman.

He leaves behind the love of his life and wife of twenty years, Amy Richardson; his mother, Rigmor Stutzman of Melissa, Texas; his children, Jennifer Richardson (Doug Moore) of Sinton, Texas; Ashlie Richardson (Chris Rhines) of Portland, Texas; Todd Richardson Jr. (Jasmine) of Portland, Texas; Joshua Richardson (Marissa) of Sinton, Texas; and Madeline Richardson of Barnum, Iowa; his sisters, Tonia Rozner (Scott) of Edna, Texas, and Kerry Karl of New Braunfels, Texas; his brothers, Chad Stutzman (Courtney) of New Braunfels, Texas, and Ben Stutzman (Shelli) of Melissa, Texas; his parents-in-law, John and Kathleen Lynch of Sturbridge, Massachusetts; his sister-in-law, Colleen Lynch (Chris) of Sturbridge, Massachusetts; his brothers-in-law, Michael Lynch (Angela) of West Baldwin, Maine and Steven Lynch of Sturbridge, Massachusetts; numerous nieces and nephews; and the greatest joys of his life, his beloved grandchildren: Qwincy Rhines, Kaiya Richardson, Qwintin Rhines, Ja'Ciella Richardson, Maci Richardson, Qwinlie Rhines, A'Raeya Richardson, Stutzlyn Richardson, Asher Richardson, Qwintrell Rhines, Qwintavius Rhines, Blake Richardson, and A'Miyah Richardson.

While Todd leaves behind a tremendous void, he also leaves behind an extraordinary legacy—one measured not by rank or recognition, but by the countless lives he influenced through faith, leadership, service, and love. He taught us that true leadership is found in humility, true strength is shown through service, and the greatest success in life is leaving the world better than you found it.

Rosary will be prayed at 10:30 a.m., followed by the Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 906 E. Sinton Street, Sinton, Texas. Interment with full military honors will follow at 1:00 p.m. at Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery in Corpus Christi. Family and friends are invited to Celebrate Todd's remarkable life immediately following the burial at SGT Brooks/CPL Goyet VFW Post 3837, 12030 Leopard Street, Corpus Christi, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorial contributions be made in Todd's memory to VFW Post #3837, ensuring his passion for serving veterans, Soldiers, and his community continues for generations to come.

His rank may have been Command Sergeant Major, but to those who loved him most, his greatest title was simply Husband, Dad, Papa, and Pookie. His mission is complete; his legacy marches on.

Guestbook available online at www.resthavenfunerals.com

Arrangements and care entrusted to Resthaven Funeral Home, Sinton.