Ronald Wayne Richardson

Ronald Wayne Richardson was born in American Falls, Idaho, Dec. 25, 1932. A man of few words, the ones he shared seemed even more important. Through his love and commitment to his wife, he taught his sons how to be amazing and loving husbands. He loved his grandkids. When he spotted them, he would light up because to him, family was everything. He shared his love of the great outdoors with his entire family. Fly-fishing was one of his favorite past times. He went from being able to walk the streams and rivers to lake-only fishing in a kick-boat. Spending time at the annual fishing derby on Shady Lake was always a highlight of Ron’s fishing season. He helped every grandkid reel in their first catch. The boys have some great stories. While camping, he was amazing with keeping the grandkids busy while dinner was getting prepped. Watching select soccer became a full-time job most weekends.

He graduated from Rockland High School in 1951, attending Idaho State University until enlisting from 1953 to 1956 as an Army paratrooper during the Korean Conflict.

He served a mission to Finland for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints from 1958 to 1960. Before returning home, he visited Egypt, Germany, Denmark, England, France, Belgium, Spain, and Italy. In the church, his later callings included serving as a Sunday School Teacher, a Scout Leader, a Young Men’s President and as a Counselor in the High Priest Presidency. He also served as a Home Teacher.

In 1961, Ronald married Shelda in the Idaho Falls Temple and became a father to Danny McHargue. The couple eventually settled in the Renton Highlands where they lived for the past 52 years. Ronald retired from Union Pacific in 1992, allowing him to be a great help at home to Shelda who didn’t retire until 2000. His ability of taking care of the little things around the house and always volunteering for dish duty was a great blessing to his dear wife. As his health failed, she realized just how many little things he’d done to lighten her load over their many years of marriage.

He is survived by his sweetheart, Shelda Mae Richardson. His sons Danny McHargue, (Lorraine), Vincent Richardson (Ruth), Brett Richardson (Corinne). His grandchildren, Christine Hickson, Lucas McHargue, Lanae Wadsworth, Jacob McHargue, Sage Richardson, Reid Richardson, Jaden Richardson, Hunter Richardson and Shelby Richardson. And his 14 great grandchildren. Brothers Gary Reed, Ken Reed, and sister Lori Cherry. He was proceeded in death by his father Clarence E. Richardson, his mother Flora Reed and his stepfather Hubert “Curly” S. Reed.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ronald Wayne Richardson, please visit our floral store.