Steven “Steve” Lyle Richardson of Grabill, Indiana passed away on Thursday, February 10,
2022 due to complications from Covid pneumonia. Steve was born on May 21, 1958 in
Logansport, Indiana. Steve grew up in Flora, Indiana and went to school in Carroll County. He
was the son of Byrd and Carol (née Flora) Richardson and one of seven children. 
On October 29, 1977, Steve married his high school sweetheart, Leslie Swinford. They had two
sons: Damien Michael, born in 1978 and Derrick Nicholas, born in 1982. Both Leslie and his two
sons were the light of his life. Initially, he worked at Esserman Tire Service in Flora, Indiana. In
1984, Steve and his family moved to Leesburg, Indiana on Tippecanoe Lake where he began
work in computer science in the orthopedic field. He worked with Zimmer’s and DePuy
Orthopedics. Steve played an active role in his sons’ athletic careers with baseball and football
and rarely missed a practice or a game. For several years, he coached Leesburg Little League
baseball and inspired many young ball players to continue in sports. While working full-time and
coaching, Steve attended Indiana Institute of Technology and graduated with honors with a
Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Steve and his family enjoyed many outdoor
activities while living on Lake Tippecanoe–skiing and boating in the summer months and ice
hockey in the winter. 
For over ten years, Steve had worked at Do-It-Best Hardware Corporation in Ft. Wayne as a
Network Operator. In 2018, Steve and Leslie moved to Grabill, Indiana to be closer to Steve’s
work. Leslie always had a “honey-do” list for Steve which he would grumble about but would
fulfill. Steve had a larger-than-life personality; he loved to laugh and joke around. He was a
competitive game player, a science-fiction enthusiast, and a secret addiction to Sasquatch
hunting. Steve enjoyed relaxing at the beach, going on cruises, and traveling to Disney World
with family and friends. However, Steve’s greatest joy came from spending time with Leslie, his
boys, and their families. Nothing brought Steve greater happiness than having his family
around. Steve had the reputation of being somewhat of a curmudgeon as he could appear gruff
and grouchy, but deep down, there has never been such a loving curmudgeon with a bigger
heart and zest for life. 
Steve is survived by his wife, Leslie; his two sons, Damien and wife Olivia, Derrick and wife
Jenny; his five grandchildren–Jasmine and husband John, Breanna, Darion, Chloe, and Isaiah;
and his great-grandson, Jaxton. Steve is further survived by his father, Byrd and siblings:
Rhonda Cowell, Karen and husband Bob Francis, brother Tim and wife Galina, sister-in-law
Carla, Patty Vibbert, and Charisse and husband Chris Robertson. Brother Jeff and mother Carol
preceded him in death. 
Services for Steve will be on Saturday, February 19, 2022 at Harlan Church of Christ in Harlan,
Indiana. Visitation will be from 10:00 am until noon with a Celebration of Life service to follow.
Steve’s family would like to invite all attendees to a lunch hosted by the Harlan Church of Christ
upon the conclusion of the services. Harlan Church of Christ is located at 17108 State Road 37
in Harlan, Indiana. Steve found great joy in the development of children; therefore, in lieu of
flowers or momentos, donations may be made to either Harlan Church of Christ or Harlan
Christian School.