Wayne K. Richardson

Wayne K. Richardson, 79, of Middle Point, passed away the morning of Thursday, February 27, 2020, at Vancrest Health Care Center in Delphos surrounded by his loving family.

Wayne was born July 9, 1940, at his parents’ home on East Fourth Street in Delphos, the son of Clarence E. and Leota M. (Shellabarger) Richardson, who both preceded him in death. 

A 1958 graduate of Delphos Jefferson High School, Wayne went on to marry to the love of his life, Wilma “Willi” Keller, in the Delphos Presbyterian Church by the Rev. John Wilcox on June 16, 1962. They shared 57 years together. 

Wayne and Willi were blessed with two sons, Mark (Laurie) Richardson of Argyle, Texas, and Michael (Shelly) Richardson of Van Wert; three granddaughters, Haley Richardson of Bowling Green, Erin Richardson of Fairfield, and Dani Richardson of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; two grandsons, Brandon Richardson of Kansas and John Richardson of Philadelphia; three stepgrandchildren, Melanie, Jason, and Matthew Morales of California; and five great-grandchildren, Brandon Jr., Sky, Savannah, Leland, and Emma.

Wayne had been an assistant Boy Scout leader of the Delphos troop and later was Scout leader of the Middle Point Boy Scouts. He liked helping others in many ways, such as through the Sheriff’s Office Auxiliary, or rebuilding homes after major storms as a carpenter with the Friends Disaster Service, or as a volunteer firefighter with the Middle Point Fire Department. 

Wayne was also a trustee of Trinity Friends Church and Delphos Wesleyan Church, where he was a member. In 2002, he retired from Federal Mogul in Van Wert after 42 years of service. Whether in his small garden, or happily in his work shop, Wayne loved to work with his hands. He built his own garage, made furniture and clocks and then found wood carving, where he discovered his true love for wood and what it could become. 

Spending time at the campground with his family and friends since retiring, and visiting around on his customized golf cart offered many very happy memories for Wayne.

Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 1, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home in Van Wert, with Pastor Steve Haddix officiating. Burial will follow in Walnut Grove Cemetery in Delphos.

Visitation is from 2-5 p.m. Saturday, February 29, and an hour prior to services at the funeral home.

Due to family members’ allergies, flowers will not be accepted. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Wayne`s memory may be sent to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society; Susan Lang Pay-It-Forward Patient Travel Assistance Program, P.O. Box 12268, Newport News, VA 23612 (877-557-2672); or Delphos Wesleyan Church, 915 S Bredeick St. in Delphos.

Condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.