MOBERLY, Mo. – Missouri is mourning the passing of the late Sam Richardson, a longtime staple in Missouri politics.
The Moberly native and reporter-turned-communications and government aficionado passed away on Wednesday at the age of 71.
Richardson held a number of roles in his decades of service to the state and country, from his time with the St. Louis Globe-Democrat, or as the chief communications officer at the National Republican Congressional Committee. He also served as press secretary for the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance, public affairs director for the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Tax Policy, and was known for his work with the GOP, including some time as press secretary to the former presidential candidate and Kansas Senator Bob Dole. He was twice president of the Missouri Society of Washington, D.C., and was Congressional District chairman for former U.S. Rep. Kenny Hulshof.
He served as a wealth of institutional knowledge for many involved in Missouri politics but was perhaps best known for his love of Moberly, Missouri, and Republican ideals, as well as his Teddy Roosevelt-esque mustache.
Most recently, Richardson had served as a public representative for the Justice Reinvestment Task Force, with Missouri Department of Corrections director Anne Precythe lamenting the loss, saying he was a “great voice and supporter for our criminal justice reform efforts.”
Sam Richardson was a loyal friend to Missouri Republicans, and passionately served the Party at every level. He will be greatly missed, and my thoughts are with his family during this time.
— Todd Graves (@MOGOP_Chairman) August 15, 2018
Very sad to hear about the passing of @carlyle65270. A giant in Republican circles in NE MO and around the state. Rest in peace my friend. pic.twitter.com/kEUC8yeEpl
— Caleb Rowden (@calebrowden) August 16, 2018
I am saddened to hear of the passing of Republican Sam Richardson @carlyle65270 of Moberly, MO. He will be greatly missed. He worked tirelessly for Republicans & was always such an inspiration to us all. @Stevewalsh2010 & I are lifting his family & friends up in our prayers.
— Sara Walsh (@SaraForMissouri) August 15, 2018
Very sad news. Sam Richardson saw so much, knew so much and told his stories with great style and wisdom. RIP.
— Scott Charton (@ScottCharton) August 15, 2018
Arrangements are pending at Cater Funeral Home.
