Roll Call Tribute

Published in Midland Reporter-Telegram on April 29, 2012

Wade C. Richardson"Encourage the young men to live wisely in all they do. And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good deeds of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching. Let your teaching be so correct that it can't be criticized." Titus 2:6-8 Wade C. Richardson lived life to the fullest. He passed away on Wednesday, April 25, 2012 while pursuing yet another adventure. All are saddened by this tragedy. All rejoice in his memory. Wade accomplished much in his 57 years. He often spoke fondly of playing on the Sonora High School State Co-Champion football team in 1971. In addition, Wade went to State in track and field winning the 440 relay and winning gold in pole vaulting. The bond between Wade and his Sonora teammates were never broken. After graduation from Sonora High School as valedictorian, Wade attended Texas A&M University where he earned an undergraduate degree in Animal Science and continued his education pursuing a Master's degree. More friends. More unbroken ties. Shortly after graduation with honors from Texas A&M, Wade moved to Ozona where he continued his family's tradition of ranching. Never one to rest on his Crockett County Pioneer laurels, Wade moved into banking where he served as a director of Crockett National Bank and later entered into the restaurant business owning several Dairy Queens. In addition Wade served as President of Crockett County Consolidated Common School District, served on the boards of the American Sheep Industry, Ozona Wool & Mohair, Texas Sheep & Goat Raisers Assn., Ozona United Methodist Church and the Texas Agriculture Land Trust. We also remember Wade for his less obvious accomplishments. A naturalist, philosopher, fly fisherman, photographer, pilot, mathematician, purveyor of mules, and mentor of young men all describe this eclectic individual. Indeed, so many lives were touched by Wade in so many ways. Perhaps Wade will most be remembered for his undeniably strong family ties. He was married to his best friend, partner and confidant Jane Schwartz Richardson for thirty three years. Together, they raised three children Clay, Codi and Kyle. All three children exceled in their areas of endeavor further testifying to their strong upbringing. Wade was preceded in death by a twin brother, Wesley Glen Richardson Survivors include his wife Jane Richardson; son and daughter-in-law Clay and Andie Richardson and grandson West Richardson; daughter and son-in-law Codi and Taylor Kingman, parents Glen and Rosalie Richardson and mother-in-law Gertrude Schwartz. Pall Bearers include Jack Baggett, Jr., Dan Davidson, John Weston, John Crew, David Wallace, Joe Eustace, Dwight Childress, Brian Barrett, Bruce Deifik, Louis Bunger and John L. Henderson. Honorary Pall Bearers are Norman Smith, Johnny Ireland, Sandy Stokes, Will Wallace, Marcus Sims, Mort Mertz, Joe Ruple, Gary Buck Mitchell, Bill Black, Rick Hunnicutt, Ric Barbatelli, Randy Crawford, Jennifer Bowen, Vicki Stokes, Carmen Sutton and Virginia Howell. Funeral services will be held at the Ozona United Methodist Church at 2:00 pm on Monday, April 30 followed by burial at Cedar Hills Cemetery. Wade's family requests memorials be made to The Wade and Kyle Richardson Memorial Fund, c/o San Angelo Area Foundation, 2201 Sherwood Way, San Angelo, Texas 76901. Arrangements by Preddy Funeral Home.