Delbert Franklin Richardson

Memorial services for Delbert Franklin Richardson, 96, of Lufkin will be held Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. in the Carroway Funeral Home Chapel.

Delbert Franklin Richardson was born on March 11, 1929 in Houston, Texas, to parents Leonard and Mable Berry Richardson. On November 28, 2025, he completed his earthly journey and is now with the Lord.

The Richardson family moved to the Clawson area when Delbert was 8 years old. Following graduation from Central High School, he attended Sam Houston State University, and graduated from the University of Texas with a degree in Architectural Engineering. Returning home to Lufkin, he joined his father’s building business and obtained his Engineering license in 1958.

In 1952 Delbert married Vernadine Griffith, and they were married for 66 years until her death in 2019. A year after their marriage, Delbert was drafted into the U.S. Army, serving in Military Intelligence in Heidelberg, Germany. Vernadine joined him there, and they were able to tour surrounding countries on his days off. They returned to the U.S. in 1956 with their baby girl, Joyce.

Delbert was a member of Clawson Baptist Church in his early years, teaching the boys Sunday School class. Later, he was a member of Central Church of Christ where he served as an Elder. Most recently, he attended Timber Creek Church. All his life he set an example of love for God and his family and service to others.

As a part of L. Richardson & Sons, Delbert was well known in the area for building high quality homes and commercial buildings. When the Angelina County Expo Center was built, he and the company won an award for engineering the largest clear span structure in the country at the time. Later in life, he began practicing independently as a Structural Engineer, and was still practicing at the time of his death. At one time he was recognized as the oldest practicing Engineer in Texas. His knowledge of foundation design, soil conditions, and engineering principles kept him in business even though he threatened to retire several times.

In addition, Delbert served as President of the Lufkin Band Boosters when son, Don was a member of the band, as a board member of the Angelina County Chamber of Commerce, and was a supportive parent of Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, and any other activities in which his children were involved. He and Vernadine found time for fishing, travel across the U.S., and spending time with grandchildren. He never ran out of ideas for gadgets and building projects needed at the “farm”, fishing, gardening and raising roses and fruit trees, as well as his recent hobby of painting. Delbert began every day with optimism and was a positive influence on those around him through the end of his life.

Survivors include his daughter, Joyce Lynn Jackson and husband Bradley Jackson; grandchildren, Gavin Richardson, Brandy Bonham and wife Christina, Joel Wayne Jackson and wife Tiffani, Christopher Jackson and wife Brittany (all of Lufkin), Shane Jackson and wife Kendra of Lake Dallas, David Jackson of Wichita Falls and Francis Jackson of Burnet; great-grandchildren, Emmerson Jackson, Camdyn Solarzano, Cashton Miller, Brantley Jackson, Easton Jackson, Logan Jackson, Presley Jackson and Bentley Jackson; brother, Burl Richardson and wife Lois, sister-in-law, Verna Joyce Griffith; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Vernadine Griffith Richardson; son, Don Franklin Richardson; brothers, Clayton Richardson and Kenneth Richardson; and sister, Dorothy Jean Brown.

Honorary pallbearers will be his grandchildren.

The family will welcome friends and loved ones 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. prior to the service at Carroway Funeral Home.

“This is the only race worth running. I’ve run hard right to the finish, believed all the way. All that’s left now is the shouting - God’s applause! Depend on it, he’s an honest judge. He’ll do right not only by me, but by everyone eager for his coming.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8 The Message

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.