Douglas "Doug" Richardson

Douglas "Doug" Michael Richardson went to be with the Lord in the early morning of January 28, 2025. Born on November 21, 1978, in Des Moines, Iowa, Doug spent his life deeply rooted in the community he loved. He grew up in Norwalk, Iowa, built lifelong friendships there, and later chose to raise his children in the same small town that shaped him.

Doug is survived by his beloved children, Meegan and Hayden Richardson, who were the light of his life. He also leaves behind his fiancée, Amber Myers, and her children, Ali and Jack, whom he deeply loved. Doug is further survived by his mother, Dianna (Bowie) Richardson; his father, Michael Richardson; his paternal grandmother, Shirley Richardson; his sister, Amy Huston; his nieces, Macie and Mya Huston; and their father, Dustin Huston.

Doug was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Eldora and Norman Bowie; his paternal grandfather, Wayne Richardson; and his uncle, Mark Richardson.

Doug lived his life with an open heart and a deep devotion to those he loved. He was a man who showed up - for his family, his friends, and his community - without hesitation and without expecting anything in return. As a firefighter, dispatcher, police officer, paramedic, and more, Doug was the person you wanted by your side in the hardest moments. But beyond his uniform, he was a devoted son, father, uncle, and friend who put family above all else. His children were his whole world, and he loved them with all that he had. He was their fiercest advocate, their unwavering protector, and the rock they could always depend on, loving them with every fiber of his being.

To those who knew him, Doug was more than a friend - he was a safe space, a constant, and the first call when things got tough. He had a way of making people feel secure, not just with his strength but with his compassion and unconventional sense of humor. Whether you needed advice, a laugh, or just someone to simply understand, Doug was there. His presence could turn a bad day around, his stories could pull a smile from anyone, and his loyalty was something rare. He made life better just by being in it.

Doug’s legacy isn’t just in the lives he saved, but in the people, he loved. He gave so much of himself to the world, leaving behind a family and community forever changed for the better by his kindness and bravery. His absence is immeasurable, but his memory is woven into every story, every laugh, and every moment of love he shared.

The family will welcome visitors from 4:00 to 7:00 PM on Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at Lutheran Church of Hope, 925 Jordan Creek Parkway in West Des Moines. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the church. For those unable to attend the service in person, it will be livestreamed at:
https://wdm.lutheranchurchofhope.org/funeral-livestream/

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made in Doug’s honor to support his children’s education through the Doug Richardson Memorial Fund at City State Bank in Norwalk. https://buy.stripe.com/7sIdUR9SMdhTcCYeUV

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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