WAURIKA, OK — Fred Ellis Richardson

July 15, 1918 — Aug. 3, 2010

Fred Ellis Richardson was born July 15, 1918 in Gregg to Scott and Minnie Mae Smart Richardson. Fred passed from this life Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2010, surrounded by his family at his home in Waurika. Funeral service was held Friday, Aug. 6, 2010 at the First Baptist Church in Waurika, with Rev. Reed Montgomery and Rev. Jeff McLemore officiating. Burial was in the Waurika Cemetery under the direction of Dudley Funeral Home in Waurika.

Fred was 92 years young.

Fred served his country in the United States Navy in World War II. He owned and operated R&M Equipment with his brother-in-law Harry Martin selling International Harvesters until 1964. In the late 1950s a long-standing association with the Glendale Morgan family began. He purchased the Ford dealership in Waurika in 1965 and then the Chevrolet Dealership in 1966.

After many years together in the automobile business, Fred brought his son-in law Gary, who became part of the business during the 70s and they operated as Gerken-Richardson Auto. He retired in 1995 after 50 years. In later years, the Morgans, Richardsons and Gerkens expanded into the Registered Beefmaster Bull Business.

Fred was chairman of the board of Metalspand Corporation for many years.

Fred and Betty Stanley were married Feb. 9, 1947 in Waurika. She preceded him in death May 6, 1991. He married Barbara Worley on May 16, 1992. 

Fred was very active in the community, he served as mayor of Waurika, president of the Chamber of Commerce for multiple years, member of the Lions Club, chairman of the Waurika Master Conservancy Board for 46 years, and was named outstanding citizen in 1995 and 2009. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Waurika, where he also taught Sunday School.

Fred is survived by his wife Barbara of the home; his children, Stan Richardson and wife Sharon, Becky Gerken and husband Gary, Ann Hodges and husband Everett, and Sandra Watkins and husband Donnie, all of Waurika; three stepchildren, Carmen Perkins and Brad, Chris Worley, Heather Harris and Gary; eight grandchildren, Craig Gerken, Michelle Hall, Steve Waid, Jon Waid, Kyle Ellis Waid, Renae Greer, Braden Watkins, and Derek Richardson; four step-grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and five step-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by a special caretaker, Carol Mahoney.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Betty, and six brothers and three sisters.

Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church Choir Fund or the Jefferson County Hospital.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.dudleyfuneralhomes.com.