Obituary of Larry D. Richardson

There must have been a bowling alley in heaven in need of someone with the love of the game to come bowl on those golden lanes as Larry Richardson was called home to fill that role on February 20, 2025.

For friends and family that want to bowl their last game with Larry, visitation will be held on Sunday, March 2nd from 2:00 to 5:00 at Henderson Barker Funeral Home in West Liberty, Iowa. A private burial will be held on Monday, March 3rd at Oak Ridge Cemetery in West Liberty where he will rest alongside his family.

Larry was born on June 14, 1965 to Ted and Kathleen Richardson of West Liberty, Iowa.  He was welcomed home by his big brothers Roger and Daryl. We are positive he was born with a bowling ball in his hand. He could probably bowl before he could walk.

He graduated from West Liberty High School with the Class of 1983. He drove a stock car at West Liberty Raceway for many years, worked for Sprouse Distributing and was known as the Pepsi guy around town. He later worked for Hawkeye Foods before owning and operating Liberty Lanes in West Liberty and Plamor Lanes in Muscatine where he helped too many people to count with their bowling game. He loved bowling in leagues and tournaments which showed in his numerous 300 games, 800 series, two PBA tour titles, and his 2002 induction to the Muscatine USBC Men’s Hall of Fame.

Larry’s other passion was racing which led to his time as the track promoter at CJ Speedway in Columbus Junction. There he spent countless hours tending to the track, helping racers, and making lifelong friends. Racers near and far appreciated his dedication on and off the track. Speaking and shaking hands with each racer every night. He also was the owner and operator of LR Trucking.

Bowling and racing were his passions, but the true loves of his life were his daughter, Nicole and his granddaughter, Zoie (who referred to him as Papa Pig). His face would light the room when he talked about them and both were wrapped around his finger.

Larry is survived by Nicole and Zoie, nieces Heather and Peggy, and great nieces and nephews Braydon, Isabella, Kristen, Garrett, Walker, Shane, and Hayden. He was preceded in death by his parents Ted and Kathleen, his brothers, Roger and Daryl and niece Holly.

When we hear the thunder roll and see the lightning strike we will know it's Larry up there doing what he does best - rolling another 300 and revving up that race car. "It's time for me to fly".