MOUNT VERNON — When Carroll Richert died Jan. 23, it was a loss not just for his family, but his friends and employees. Richert owned and operated C.L. Richert Trucking Co. for more than 30 years; his employees were devoted to him, many staying with him for more than 30 years.
“You don’t usually keep your truck driver that long in this business,” said Karl Blankenhorn, a longtime employee of Richert. “He was my boss. No, let me say he was my friend first, and my boss second, for more than 30 years.”
Richert’s friends and family decided to do something special for their special friend. More than 50 of Richert’s employees organized a convoy of semitrailers and other vehicles in his honor. The convoy gathered at the company’s headquarters on Columbus Road, Saturday afternoon. More than 50 trucks were counted at one point, with more gathering all the time. Family and friends gathered to visit and tell their favorite stories about Richert.
At 3:15 p.m., the trucks headed out, on their way to Fischer Funeral Home in Danville. The trucks traveled north on Columbus Road to U.S. 36, then through Howard and Millwood, where the convoy took U.S. 62 the last four miles to Danville. Onlookers along the route who were unaware of the significance of the convoy were impressed.
“Wow. What was that?” said one. “Man, that was pretty impressive,” said another.
Finally, the convoy arrived at its destination to say goodbye to a very good friend.
