William Wayne Richey

William Wayne “Bill” Richey passed away peacefully at his home in Tyro, Kansas on April 30, 2023, at the age of 71, after a valiant battle with cancer.

Bill was born on September 28, 1951, in Caney, Kansas to John and Twyla Richey. He graduated from Caney High School in 1969. He proudly served in the United States Army from 1971-1972 and was deployed to Vietnam. He had a strong sense of patriotism and believed in the importance of defending his country. After his service, Bill worked for Southern Star in the natural gas and pipeline industry in various roles much of his career. Later on, he worked as a driver for Regional Medical Lab part time until his retirement.

Bill was a hardworking and devoted family man. He married his first wife, Melody Robbins, on October 19, 1974, and they had three children together: Anthony, Taressa, and Katelyn. After Melody passed away in 2007, Bill was remarried to Stacie Cunningham on June 5, 2010. Bill became a loving stepfather to Stacie’s children, Candice and Cassie. Bill had seven grandchildren of whom he was very proud. He cherished every moment with them, and found great joy in teaching them life skills and playing with them. 

In addition to his dedication to family, Bill was a man of strong principles and character. He had a deep faith in the Lord and was passionate about instilling this in his loved ones and community. He believed in the importance of faith, family, and community and lived his life by these values.  Many lives were touched and forever changed through his example.

Bill enjoyed spending summer days at the lake, boating, water skiing, and fishing. He also enjoyed being outdoors, admiring nature, and hiking in Colorado where he served as the spiritual leader of the “Wolfpack”.  However, anyone that knew Bill knew that those times of leisure were few and far between. He often spent his free time helping others, and he had a knack for making work fun. Many of his friends and neighbors benefited from his generosity of time and talents, whether it was by mending broken things, tilling gardens, or working cattle.

Bill will always be remembered for his kind heart, outgoing personality, and his unwavering commitment to his loved ones and country. He never met a stranger and was a friend to all. Bill will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but he is now at peace walking with the Lord.

A celebration of Bill’s life will take place at Tyro Christian Church on Friday, May 5, at 2:00 pm. A private family graveside service will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice in memory of Bill.

Bill is survived by his wife Stacie Richey; his children, son Anthony Richey and grandson Caleb, daughter Taressa Richey, daughter Katelyn Brown and son-in-law Clint and grandchildren Claire, Ellie, Ezekiel and Julia, stepdaughter Candice Halmes and son-in-law Ty, stepdaughter Cassie Goyen and son-in-law Weston and granddaughters Hadley and Hollis; his siblings, sister Mariam Staton, brother John Richey and wife Tanya, sister Teresa McClure, and sister Karon Frye and husband Steve, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Twyla Richey; his first wife Melody Richey; and his brother-in-law Dan Staton.

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”

Deuteronomy 6:5-7

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

2 Timothy 4:7