Monday, December 16, 2013

Wendell Ray Richey

     Memorial service for Wendell Ray Richey, age 76 of Muenster are scheduled for 3:00 PM Friday, December 20, 2013 at First Baptist Church of Muenster. Services are officiated by Rev. Ralph Gourley. A visitation will be held from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM also at the church. Mr. Richey died December 16, 2013 in Denton.
     Wendell was born to Herman and Irene Tuggle Richey on December 20, 1936 in Marysville, Texas. As an all-around athlete and avid sports fan, Wendell lettered in football, basketball, track and baseball. Throughout his high school career, Wendell also spent time working at a cheese plant, driving a milk truck and a school bus.
     In 1955, Wendell graduated from Muenster High School and then attended Ranger Junior College, where he was a kicker for the football team. But, despite a successful freshman year, Wendell followed his heart and returned home to marry his high school sweetheart, Rita Joyce Cain, on February 4, 1956.
     After Wendell and Rita married, he worked in the oil fields of west Texas until welcoming their first child into the world. Following the birth of their son, he and Rita moved back to Muenster where he began his lifelong career as a cattle weigher at the sale barns—where the couple worked side by side for the next 50 years.
     Wendell was a former member of the Jaycees and enjoyed coaching his sons little league baseball games. He also loved fixing things around house and taking care of his animals. Then, after years as a loyal, devoted member of the First Baptist Church in Muenster, Wendell became a Deacon—a position he had held since 1998.
     Wendell and Rita were married over 56 years, during which time they raised five children—two sons and three daughters. He later became known as Popi to 18 beloved grandchildren and three great-grandkids, all who loved him dearly and will continue sharing the stories he told for generations to come.
     Wendell is survived by his: wife, Rita Cain Richey; sons and daughters-in-law: Craig and Ann Richey of Austin, Todd and Michelle Richey of Corinth; daughters and sons-in-law: Robyn and Nick Walterscheid of Muenster, Stephanie and Garry Felderhoff of Gainesville, Melanie and Mark Hesse of Muenster; sisters and their husbands: Deanna and Charlie Dean of Wichita Falls, Linda and Fred Muller of Richardson; sister-in-law, Sharon Richey of Gainesville; eighteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Irene Tuggle Richey, his brother, Hubert Richey, and his sister, Wanda Riley.
     The family requests memorials be made to First Baptist Church of Muenster.


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