Mr. Lemoyne Richardson

DEACON LEMOYNE "DEKE" RICHARDSON was born on November 5, 1930 to the union of Wash Richardson and Mary Alice Turner (Richardson) in Baxter, Arkansas. The family moved to Dermott, Arkansas, where Deacon Richardson received his formal education. He graduated from Chi cot County High School and years later received an Associate Degree in Police Science from Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC). Deacon Richardson accepted Christ at an early age. He moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin and met the love of his life Roseanna Turman. They were united in holy matrimony on June 20, 1953 at Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church. The service was officiated by Reverend T.T. Wallace. Deacon and Roseanna celebrated 62 wonderful and loving years of marriage in June of this year. Their union was blessed with two children, Cheryl Ann and Gregory Lemoyne. Deacon Richardson served in the United States Army from September 1954 through September 1956 when he was honorably discharged. After leaving the military, Deacon was employed briefly at Patrick Cudahy. It did not take long for this man from Arkansas to realize that standing in a freezing meat cooler was not for him. He went on to pursue a career with the City of Milwaukee Police Department. He started as a patrolman and was later promoted to the rank of detective. He was one of the first African Americans to achieve this status. He was the perfect role model for future African American men and women to follow. Deacon was nicknamed "Deke" by his co-workers because he was always dressed Sunday sharp like the gentleman and deacon, which he eventually became. While serving as an officer, he was one of the founders of the League of Martin. This organization was named after the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and was dedicated to fighting racial injustice within the police department. Through the efforts of these dedicated men of character, minority officers were finally promoted within the ranks leading to Arthur Jones becoming the first black police chief in Milwaukee. "Deke" was also a founder of the "Over the Hill Gang" an organization of community minded men. Using proceeds from an annual football game, they awarded scholarships to deserving minority students. He joined Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in 1951. He was a dedicated Christian man of deep faith that was reflected in his daily walk. During his membership, he served as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, food pantry assistant and even worked in the kitchen. He sometimes manned the grills at the annual church picnic. Deacon Richardson loved his home teams - the Bucks, the Packers and the Brewers. He would often start watching the games with enthusiasm however; his love of sleep would soon take over. He would have to ask the next day who won the game. Deacon Richardson was a man of moral character, integrity and dignity. He loved Christ, which was evident in his love for his family, his church and his service to others. He will be greatly missed. Deacon Lemoyne Richardson was preceded in death by a sister, Marie Richardson. He leaves to cherish his memory: his wife, Roseanna; daughter, Cheryl Ann Holley; son, Rev. Gregory (Christa) Richardson; two grandchildren, Nicole Roseanne Holley and Joshua Azie Bonds; two great grandchildren, Lauryn Bryant and Alexa Prado; one sister, Wilma Jean Pratt of Detroit, Michigan; brother, Marion (VIrginia) Richardson of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and a host of other family members and friends.

Mr. Lemoyne Richardson

November 5, 1930 - September 14, 2015