Ivan Candace Richardson Sr.

Ivan Candace Richardson, Sr. was born in Sixteen Mud Fork, now known as Verdunville, West Virginia. He was to the fourth of eleven children in the union of Lovell and Ozell Richardson. The family moved to Whitman, West Virginia in 1929 where his parents taught the children at a young age the realization of the teachings of the bible, Jesus Christ and the many benefits they would receive from serving him.

Ivan completed grades one through five at Roland Hayes Elementary. He went on to complete middle school at Dunbar Holden Elementary, and as a Freshman he entered and graduated from Aracoma High School in Logan, West Virginia.

Ivan’s most memorial accomplishments in school was that throughout his school years he made the honor roll every semester except one. He played wide receiver on the football team and was a long jumper and high jumper in track for two years. He also won the West Virginia Golden Horseshoe Test, in 1943, while attending Dunbar Holden Elementary.

Other accomplishments he cherished was being on the board of directors of the N.E.W. (New Empowerment for Women), serving on the board of Logan County Improvement League, Deacon at Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church and The Greater Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church.

Ivan was initiated into the Masonry in 1957 and served as the secretary of Guyan Valley Lodge #21 F.& A.M. In 1965 he was elected as Worshipful Master and served for four years. Ten years later, he was re-elected Worshipful Master of Guyan Valley Lodge #21 F.& A.M and served in that position for over twenty years.

In 1996, Ivan was elected as the Right Worshipful Grand Secretary of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand lodge of West Virginia F.& A.M. PHA. Inc. He served in this position until poor health forced his resignation in 2010.

Ivan served as secretary of I.M. Carper Chapter Number Five of Royal Arch Masons, and as secretary of Alpha Commandery Number Seven Knights Templar, member of Queen of Sheba Chapter Number Eight Order of Eastern Star, and member of Tri State Consistory Number 168. Last but not least Ivan was elevated to 33rd degree G.I.G. (Grand Inspector General) which is the highest degree in Masonry.

Ivan met his friend and love of his life Daisy Walton in 1943. They were high school sweethearts and dated throughout high school and graduated in 1947. In 1949, Ivan and Daisy were married and, in July of 2018, they celebrated their 69th anniversary.

Ivan worked as a Truck Helper, Driver Salesman and Manager for Guyan Distributing Company in Logan, WV for 32 years before moving to Mingo Bottling Company, in Williamson, WV, where he worked for 23 years.

Ivan and Daisy lived most of their married life in Logan, West Virginia. From their union was born four children, Michael T. Richardson, Anita D. Brooks, Ivan C. Richardson Jr., and Vincent D. Richardson. He is survived by his wife Daisy Richardson; three children, Anita Brooks, Ivan Richardson, Jr. and Vincent Richardson; five brothers, Lloyd, Armande, Wilbur, Raymond and Bernard; two sisters, June Marie and Jackie; three grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, and a host nieces and nephews.

Ivan missed West Virginia and his friends there. In closing, he wanted to say to all of his friends, "Thank you for the memories."

There will be a graveside service, where masonic rites will be given at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Pecks Mill, WV  at 1:00 PM December 22, 2018. Collins Funeral Home Inc. of Switzer, WV is in charge of arrangements.