David Lloyd Richardson

David Lloyd Richardson passed away peacefully, with family at his side, in the comfort of his home on May 4, 2026.

Born at home in Paw Paw, Michigan on July 3, 1931, to Lloyd and Mary (Fenton) Richardson, Dave grew up in Paw Paw, graduated from Paw Paw High School, and after serving his country in the Korean War and attending college, returned home to dedicate his life to family and his beloved community.

During Dave’s service in the Navy, from 1951 to 1955, he was stationed on the USS Destroyer McKean DDR 784. He achieved the rank of Machinist Mate First Class, and was awarded Korea, China and National Defense Service medals.

After his honorable discharge from the Navy, Dave attended Michigan State University, but after two years, he prioritized family and community by returning home to help his father with his family business. When Lloyd retired, Dave took over the highly successful business they had built together painting, wallpapering, and refinishing floors. Like his dad, Dave joined the Paw Paw Masons.

One of Dave’s greatest passions was serving as volunteer firefighter for Paw Paw. Dave met the love of his life, Bonnie Essig, on a blind date. They celebrated their marriage in 1964 at Trinity Lutheran Church by riding through Paw Paw on a fire truck afterwards. A new family tradition was born.

Dave served as volunteer firefighter in Paw Paw since 1960 — over 60 years. Not only was he Fire Chief during the 100th anniversary of the Paw Paw Volunteer Fire Department in 1968, but Dave was also there to celebrate the department’s 150th anniversary. Dave’s legacy continues through his two sons Kirk and Steve, and two of his grandsons, Kyle and Tyler, all who continue to serve in the Paw Paw Volunteer Fire Department.

Trinity Lutheran continued to be a major part of their lives, as Dave and Bonnie volunteered in many ways, including youth group leadership. Dave served as an Usher and an Elder. Raising their children in their faith was very important to Dave and Bonnie. They also enjoyed being involved with their children’s interests, such as the 4-H Club.

As an involved citizen of his beloved hometown, Dave was active in community government as well, serving either on the Paw Paw Village Council as Trustee or Village President for nearly 20 years, and Paw Paw Township Supervisor for 16 years. In 2015, Dave was inducted into the Paw Paw High School Hall of Fame.

Dave often expressed how proud he was of his three children and his five grandchildren — of the careers they chose, their aspirations, and their dedication to family.

Surviving Dave is his daughter, Christine Richardson; sons, Kirk (Tami) Richardson and Steve (Stephanie) Richardson; grandchildren, Kyle, Tyler, Spencer, Stuart, and Samantha. Also surviving are Dave’s brothers-in-law, Ronnie Essig (Bonnie’s twin) and Clifford (Angela) Essig.

Dave is preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Bonnie (Essig) Richardson; parents Lloyd and Mary Richardson; his sister Dorothy (Arnold) Thurbur; his brother-in-law Douglas Essig, Jr., and Bonnie’s parents, Douglas and Sarah Essig.

The family would like to thank Centrica Care Hospice for the wonderful care and love given to both Bonnie and Dave.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, 4:00 - 7:00 PM at Adams Funeral Home, 502 West Michigan, Paw Paw, Michigan.

Dave’s funeral will be 12:00 Noon on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 721 Pine Street, Paw Paw, Michigan, with Pastor Ron Moritz officiating.

Following the funeral, a graveside service will be held at Cuddeback Cemetery in Paw Paw.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to the American Legion Post #68, 115 N. Niles Street, Paw Paw, MI 49079, to help obtain a Navy Memorial Statue for the Paw Paw Veteran's Park or the Paw Paw Firefighter's Association, 832 S. Gremps Street, Paw Paw, MI 49079, to be used for the Paw Paw Honor Guard.