Stanley Banks Richardson, 96, of Cape Girardeau passed away Monday, July 1, 2019, at the Missouri Veterans Home.

He was born Sept. 24, 1922, in Cape Girardeau to Raymond and Bessie Banks Richardson. He attended public schools in Cape Girardeau and Lutesville, Missouri. He married Irene Altha Ford on Nov. 26, 1945. She preceded him in death March 22, 2019.

He was a decorated veteran of World War II, having served in the 494th Anti-Aircraft Battalion of the U.S. Army. During his four-and-a-half years of service, he was stationed overseas in Iceland, Scotland, England, Belgium and France. He saw combat at Normandy and in the Battle of the Bulge. While defending the harbor and city of Antwerp, Belgium, his outfit was under enemy fire for 159 consecutive days. Over the course of World War II, the 494th spent more than three years in the European Theater of Operations and was given seven foreign commendations for its efforts during the war. He joined the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3838 in 1948.

After the war, Stanley returned to Cape Girardeau and worked for Cape Neon Signs and General Sign Company as a salesman, serviceman and operations manager. He worked in the sign business for 42 years, gaining the nickname of "Stan, the Neon Man," before retiring in 1988. He was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). He was also a member of the Missouri Sheriffs' Association and the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels. He enjoyed participating in and watching all sports. Boxing, bowling and golf were his favorites.

Survivors include three sons and two daughters, Stanley Banks (Jeanne) Richardson Jr. of St. Charles, Missouri; Kenneth Ray Richardson of Cape Girardeau; Charles Darren Richardson of Hercules, California; Constance Ann Wells of Fruitland; and Madonna Sue Niemeier of Cape Girardeau; five granddaughters, three grandsons; three great-granddaughters and four great-grandsons.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; his stepfather, Tivis Statler; a sister, Hazel Ford; two half-sisters, Pauline Albino and Geraldine "Geri" Reiminger; two half-brothers, Robert and Charles W. "Jack" Statler; and seven step-brothers. A son-in-law, Doug Niemeier, also preceded him in death.

Friends may call from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

Service will be at 1 p.m. Monday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Jeff Long officiating.

Burial will be at St. Mary's Cemetery in Cape Girardeau. Graveside military rites will be provided by Missouri Honors Team.

Memorial contributions may be given to VFW Post 3838.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.