John O. "Rich" Richeson, 84, of Festus, MO, born Wednesday, July 12,1939 in St. Louis, MO and passed away on Monday, February 5, 2024 at his home.

Rich graduated in the class of 1957 from De Soto High School where he ran track and field in 1955-56 and 57, holding a school record for hurdles for many years.  Upon graduation, he served his country faithfully in the United States Army.  After his military service, Rich earned Masters and Doctorate degrees in Education and Administration from Southeast Missouri State, 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.  Rich was a MSHSAA  starter for cross country and track meets for 20 years throughout the county.  Rich was a member of Our Lady Catholic Church, Festus, MO, a member of the American Legion Peebles Vaughn Wideman Post 253, and Knights of Columbus 3rd Degree Council # 1185, De Soto.  He served on the Festus Park Board.  He really enjoyed watching his kids and grandkids play sports, and was a fan of the Denver Broncos.

He was preceded in death by his son, Cary John Richeson; his parents, John J. and Rachel J (nee Long) Richeson; his brother, Dennis Richeson and his brother-in-law, Lloyd "Sonny" Barton

Surviving are his wife, Joyce J. (nee Barton) Richeson whom he married July 10, 1965 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, De Soto, MO; his children, Dr. Coby Richeson, Indianapolis, IN and Shannon Richeson, Festus, MO; grandchildren; Elijah Richeson, Brooke Richeson and LillieAnne Richeson; his sisters, Debbie Richeson of Festus, MO and Pattijo Richeson of Sullivan, MO; his brother, Guideon Richeson of St. Jacob, IL; his brother-in-law, Jim (Ava) Barton, Highland Park, IL and Connie Cashdollar of Floral City, FL.; many nieces and nephews, cousins and many dear friends.

Memorials may be made to Festus Parks Department, 950 N 5th St, Festus, MO 63028 or St. Jacob Lions Club, Summer Camp for vision and hearing impaired students, PO Box 212, St. Jacob, IL  62281.  Online expressions of sympathy may be made at www.Richesonfh.com or www.Mahnfuneralhome.com

Visitation for Rich will be 5 to 7 pm on Thursday, February 8, at Mahn Funeral Home Twin City Chapel, 515 Collins Dr., Festus, MO  63028 and 10 to 11 am on Friday, February 9, 2024 at Our Lady's Catholic Church, 1550 St. Mary Lane, Festus, MO .  Rich requested those attending visitation and services to dress comfortable.

Funeral Mass will be held 11 am on Friday, February 9, 2024 at Our Lady's Catholic Church, Festus, MO with Fr. Mike Boehm officiating. Interment will be in Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Crystal City, MO.

RICHESON FUNERAL HOME,