Walter William “Bill” Richeson, 92, of Patoka passed away Sunday, March 30, 2014 at his home.

He was born on Sept. 16, 1921 in Princeton, to Walker W. and Nora (Hobson) Richeson.

He graduated from Princeton High School in 1940. He was an U.S. Army Staff Sargent in WWII under General George Patton. He saw combat in France, stepping on a land mine in Metz, France where he earned a purple heart (Nov 9, 1944).

He attended Indiana State Teachers College, majoring in Social Studies and Physical Education and graduated in 1950. He then earned his Master’s Degree in 1953 from I.S.T.C. He coached and taught at Fontanet and Montezuma high schools before returning to Princeton the summer of 1956 and began his teaching and coaching career in Princeton and taught until his retirement in 1984. The highlights of his coaching career include in 1954 his basketball team won sectional and regional and lost to Milan in semi-state play. Milan went on to win the state championship. He also took his Princeton 1965 team to the final four and lost to Indianapolis Washington. They also won the state championship.

After his retirement he spent many years raising and showing registered quarter horses. Later he enjoyed traveling, playing golf and spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and always following the PCHS Tigers. He was a member of the Princeton Country Club, VFW Post#1147, and the Princeton Elks. He was a member of the Patoka United Methodist Church.  

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Sharon M. Richeson of Patoka; three children, Kyle (Mike) Ellis, Kirbe Richeson and Susan (Morgan) Franklin; six grandchildren, Bryan (Rebecca) Ellis, Andrea (Richard) DeVoy, Charles “Chase” Franklin, Chance (Carly) Franklin, Chad Franklin and Megan (Greg) Gatlin; six great grandchildren, Jenna and Brylee Ellis, Jeremiah Kelley, Colin Franklin, Emma Franklin and Spencer; brother, Joseph E (Dona) Stott; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walker Richeson and Nora Degenhart; and a sister, Annabell Bates Whitney. 

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 5, 2014 at the Colvin Funeral Home in Princeton, officiated by Pastor Jeff Pinney. Burial will be at the Columbia White Church Cemetery. 

Visitation will be from 4 until 8 p.m. Friday at Colvin Funeral Home.  Military graveside services will be conducted by retired military veterans.