CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – Thomas L. Richardson, 77, of Champaign, peacefully passed away in the arms of his wife and daughter on Thursday, October 17, 2024.

Tom was born February 28, 1947, in Springfield, Illinois. Tom is survived by his wife of fifty years, Diane, his two daughters, Shanah Richardson and Rachel (William) Hayden. He is also survived by his sister, Dorothy (Robert) Paoni, two nephews, Matt and Andrew, and one niece, Kala. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother Gene Richardson.

Tom graduated from Springfield High School in 1965. He received his bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Missouri at Rolla. He worked as a civil engineer for the Illinois Department of Transportation. In the early 1970s, Tom became the director of the Lighter Side of Darkness Christian coffeehouse in Springfield, IL, for which he received the Governor’s Award for Outstanding Service to Youth. Tom was ordained as a minister with the Assemblies of God in 1979. He was associate pastor at three churches in Illinois before forming People Reaching People Ministries (PRP) in 1984. Tom traveled to 28 countries, spanning every continent except Antarctica, over 42 years with PRP teaching others how to share their faith in Jesus. Tom taught every class at the Asia Center for Biblical Studies in the Philippines for 15 years, forming such close relationships that many of the students called him “Papa”.

Tom made a list of the highlights of his life that included walking the Great Wall of China, flying over the Himalayas in a propeller plane, baptizing people in a river by a Tibetan refugee camp in Nepal, going on a photo safari in Kenya, taking two Caribbean cruises with family, and visiting his family ancestral castle in Scotland—to name a few.

Tom enjoyed watching Illini sports and playing racquetball and golf. He won a national racquetball championship and held an annual charity golf tournament for 14 years that, among other things, supported an orphanage in the Philippines. He loved spending time with family and friends. He cared deeply about people whether he interacted with them for one minute or over several years. He would say, “If you don’t like someone, it’s because you don’t know them well enough.” Tom took time to pray with each medical staff member he met during his frequent office visits and hospitalizations. He also made sure they knew he was the proud father of a nurse anesthetist. Tom loved to joke and add humor to any gathering. It’s hard to sum up a life well lived in a few paragraphs. He was a loving dad and husband. Tom will be greatly missed.

Condolences may be offered at Renner-Wikoff Chapel & Crematory.