Obituary of Samuel C. Richardson

Samuel “Sam” Carlyle Richardson, III, also known as Coach R, passed from this life at the age of 53 as a result of the COVID-19 virus on July 31, 2021.  He was born March 17, 1968 in Moberly, to Nikki Carr and Samuel C. Richardson, II.  He received a Bachelor of Science from Missouri Valley College and a Masters Degree from Arkansas State University.  

Sam married Carolyn “Diane” Roberts, his childhood sweetheart and love of his life, on December 28, 1991, and she survives of the home.  Besides Diane, Sam is survived by his mother, Nikki of Moberly; his siblings, Amy Hager (Mark), Zachary Richardson (Angie), Elanor Sippel, Cate Sippel (Eric Truesdell), Paul Dollich, and Eric Dollich all of Moberly; brother-in-law, Mike Roberts (Nina) of Morrison, CO; sister-in-law, Michelle Snow (Rick) of Sparta, MO; nieces and nephews, Dorian Bentch and Draven Bentch both of Moberly, Madeline Hager of Columbia, MO, Katherine Hager, Case Thompson, Max Richardson and Owen Richardson all of Moberly, Chris Roberts (Theresa) of Joplin, MO, Shawn Roberts (Laura) of Lakewood, CO, Lance Snow (Jessica) of Loveland, CO, Rochelle Roberts of Lupus, MO; great nephew and niece, Demetri Roberts of Kansas City, MO and Lorelai Roberts of Joplin, MO; as well as several loving aunts, uncles and cousins, and his sweet beagle, Maggie.

He was preceded in death by his father.  Sam was a beloved husband, son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, friend, coach and teacher.  

As a lifelong resident of Moberly, he enjoyed his career as an educator, teaching Personal Finance, and coaching wrestling and football in the Moberly Public School District.  He most recently served as the Director of the Moberly Area Vocational-Technical Center (MATC). He also coached wrestling at University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, MO and University of Dubuque, Dubuque, Iowa.  

Sam was a Christian and member of Timberlake Christian Church for over 30 years.  He was a member of the Moberly Kiwanis Club and the Moberly Chamber of Commerce.  His leadership skills and style were on display as a servant leader in both Moberly and surrounding areas.  Sam’s desire to serve others and provide a culture of inclusiveness and encouragement has made a tremendous and lasting impact on so many throughout multiple communities.  Sam was also a member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity and the Missouri Valley College Varsity Club. He was a proud Moberly Spartan and Missouri Valley College alumnae.  

Sam’s love of sports was surpassed only by his love for those he taught and coached. He was giving and caring and built relationships in all areas of education.  He wanted students to be the best they could be, and as a result he touched many lives as he developed life skills as a mentor and encourager. 

In addition to the countless lives Sam touched throughout the community, he was the patriarch of his family and always made the time to make sure everyone was OK.  Sam’s greatest joy came from spending time with his nieces and nephews, and he loved being “Uncle Sam”.  He made it a priority to support each of them and enjoyed sharing their activities and accomplishments, rarely missing games or other special events.  He was looking forward to coaching his nephew Owen and the Little Spartans Football Class of 2030 this fall. 

Sam enjoyed traveling which often included adventures to historical sites and restaurants featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, he enjoyed live theater and concerts, and spending time with his family. He was fiercely competitive, not only on the field or the mat, but also at family gatherings and game nights.  

Sam’s smile was infectious and his presence could light up a room, his care for others was genuine.  He will be missed by his family, friends, students, co-workers, and numerous people throughout the community who knew him.

Visitation is scheduled for Friday, August 13, 2021 from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm at the Moberly High School gymnasium. 

A Celebration of Life service honoring Sam will be held on Saturday, August 14 at 11:00 am at Moberly High School’s Larry K Noel Stadium. 

Memorial contributions will be appreciated, in lieu of flowers, to the Sam Richardson Memorial Scholarship Fund, in care of the Moberly Public Schools Foundation.  Contributions may be left during the visitation or may be mailed directly to the MPS Foundation at P.O. Box 104, Moberly, MO  65270.  

Condolences may be shared online at pathwaymemorial.com.

For those unable to attend Sam’s memorial celebration, please note that it will be live streamed via the Moberly Spartan Booster Club.

In an effort to be responsible, safe and courteous to all in attendance, at both the visitation and memorial service, all guests are kindly asked to wear their masks and to practice social distancing.

Everyone knows that Sam wouldn’t want anyone to ever be uncomfortable. Please feel free to wear casual clothing and/or your Spartan colors to the service on Saturday.