Robert E. "Bob" Richardson

ELKHART — Robert E. Richardson, 90, of Elkhart, passed away peacefully of natural causes Monday, July 17, 2017, at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born Sept. 14, 1926, in Elkhart, to the late Clifford and Florence (Congdon) Richardson and married Patricia McDonald of Bronson, Michigan, in 1948. She passed away in 1973. In 1974, he had married Beverly Swihart of Elkhart, who passed away in 1998. He later married Sanita (Sandy) Wynykoski in 1999 and she survives him at home. 

After graduating from Elkhart High School in 1944, Bob served several years in the U. S. Army Air Corps. Upon his return home, he co-founded Richardson Trailer Manufacturing with his father. 

He purchased his father’s interest in the company in 1959, and for the next 10 years, he transformed the company from a small trailer manufacturer into one of the premier corporations in the mobile home industry. 

The main plant on Elkhart’s Nappanee Street was among the largest in the world with a capacity of producing 40 homes a day. 

By many, Bob was considered to be one of the industry’s top leaders in innovation and design, which revolutionized the industry and earned him a spot in the RV/MH Hall of Fame in 2016.

In 1969, Bob sold Richardson Homes Corp. (RCH) to Macco Corp. It was also at this time he led a group of investors to develop Timberbrook Mobile Home Community, a 288-unit upscale community which was among the first of its kind at the time. 

In 1971, he retired from RHC as its chairman, president and CEO but remained active in the development of Timberbrook until it was sold in 1977.

Long active in business, civic and philanthropic affairs, Bob held chairs on several boards and served as director of the J.P. Morgan/Chase Bank, Elkhart YMCA, United Way and Stanley Clark School. 

He was a charter member, director and past president of Elcona Country Club, and was founder, director and first president of the Junior Achievement of Elkhart County.

He was an ardent financial supporter of the Heritage Foundation and the Community Foundation of Elkhart County. 

He also served 25 years as Emeritus Trustee for Hillsdale College, from which he received an honorary doctorate degree in public service. 

Additionally, some of his philanthropic endeavors include establishing the Robert E. Richardson Freedom Legacy Fund in cooperation with the Community Foundation, whose principle mission is to support Elkhart County organizations that help develop life skills for men and women of all ages. 

A significant portion of the fund is also devoted to educational organizations which develop new methods in teaching.   

Surviving are a daughter, Leslie (Bill) Simpson of St. Louis, Missouri; sons Mark (Sally) Richasrdson of Greenwood Village, Colorado and Matt (Susan) Richardson of Mosinee, Wisconsin; stepchildren Stephan (Theresa) Swihart of Bloomington, Susan Jayroe of Vallejo, California, Jane (John) Hagale of Houston, Texas, Gail (David) Duthie of Elkhart and John (Rosann) Wynykoski of St. Charles, Illinois; seven grandchildren; nine stepgrandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and eight stepgreat-grandchildren. 

Stepson William Swihart preceded him in death. 

Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, is honored to host the celebration of Bob’s life on Saturday, July 22, beginning with a gathering of friends and family at 10 a.m. and followed by a memorial service at noon. 

Family friend and business associate Pete McCown will officiate the service and a private family burial will follow in Rice Cemetery. 

In accordance with Bob’s wishes, cremation has taken place and military honors will be rendered at the graveside.

Bob always believed that his greatest accomplishment was the successful cohesive blend of three families into one big, loving family consisting of 52 members including spouses. 

He was the rock upon which the family stood and his mentoring and loving presence will be greatly missed. 

Memorials may be given to any of Bob’s organizations or to the charity of one’s choice. 

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