Langston (Rich) E. Richardson Jr., 89, passed away on September 26, 2018 in Easton, Maryland.

A child of the Great Depression, Rich grew up in the wilds of rural Louisiana, where at the age of five he met his first and only sweetheart of 84 years, Murlene Richardson (nee Clark), to whom he was married for 65 years.

Rich joined the U. S. Navy out of high school and began an adventure that took him all over the world and the U.S. as an enlisted man and officer. During his time in the Navy, he served his country in the Korean War and devoted himself to the difficult homefront of Vietnam, comforting the loved ones of those lost in combat.

He was a Navy "Mustang" and worked long nights on his education culminating in an officer's commission and a master's degree from George Washington University. His final station was at Quantico Naval Hospital, where he retired as a lieutenant commander in the Medical Service Corps and expert poker player after 24 years of service.

Some might slow down after their first retirement, but Rich was just getting started. After the Navy, he worked to found, build and manage Potomac Hospital in Woodbridge, serving as its first administrator. After his retirement there, he became the administrator of Stonewall Jackson Hospital in Lexington, where he served the community for 10 years. The Richardson Christmas party was a highlight of the holidays every year.

After his third and final retirement, he and Murlene traveled throughout the U. S., frequently visiting family and friends. When his wife fell ill after a stroke, Rich lovingly cared for her himself every day for over a decade without a word of complaint.

He was a longstanding member of Rotary International, a Master Mason (Scottish Rite), past president of the Rockbridge-Lexington Chamber of Commerce, amateur boxer, avid gardener, patriot, devoted friend and the boss of any room he walked into throughout his life. He loved his family and was happy in their company, and generous with his time as his grandchildren and great-grandchildren grew up to whom he was known as "The Great Great Daddy" – which he found hilarious.

Rich was a man of few words, but always had high expectations of those around him and himself.

He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather and great- grandfather. He is preceded in death by his wife, Murlene Richardson, and his first son, Michael Gene Richardson.

He is survived by his son, Daniel C. Richardson (Lillie) of Stevensville, Md.; his daughter-in-law Cecelia Richardson of Harftord City, Ind.; his grandchildren, Daniel C. Richardson Jr. (Kalah) of Alexandria, Dr. Joshua D. Richardson (Alice) of Greenwich, Conn., and Shannon E. Fear (Justin) of Hartford City, Ind.; and his great-grandchildren, Finn J. Richardson and Charlotte I. Richardson of Alexandria, and Charles M. Fear of Hartford City, Ind.

He passed away peacefully after a short, painless illness in the company of his family, happy to go on his own terms to join his beloved wife and son.

Anchors Aweigh, Old Boy!

A graveside service will be held on Friday, October 19 at noon at Quantico National Cemetery in Quantico.

Those wishing to honor Rich are encouraged to make donations to the Navy/Marine Corps Relief Society, www.nmcrs.org.

In Eternal Life In Jesus Christ.

For online condolences, please visit www.fhnfuneralhome.com.