Edward Richardson

Edward Richardson, 71, of Fredonia, Ariz., passed away June 21 at Dixie Regional Hospital in St. George, Utah.

He was born in Rock Springs March 20, 1947, to Roy and DeEtta Richardson. He was the oldest of 11 children. In his younger years he grew up in Manila, Utah. He often spoke of his time growing up in Manila, Utah. His family moved to Green River where he graduated from Lincoln High School in 1966. He was on the football team, which was his joy during this period of time.

After graduating, he joined the Marines and served for seven years.

The Marines allowed him to travel the world and see many things. While in the Marines he married and divorced Maritha. After leaving the Marines he married Janet and returned to Green River. His marriage to Janet dissolved when she wanted to return to Ohio and her family. Shortly after, he reconnected with a high school friend Christina Yancy and they married Nov. 3, 1978. After they married, he joined Halliburton to work on the North Slope of Alaska. He left Halliburton and returned to Wyoming after a few years. He missed Alaska and returned within a year or so. It was his favorite place to call home. He often dreamed about being an Alaska mountain man.

However, he did find it necessary to return to the Lower 48 due to family and he eventually hired on with the State of Utah as a port of entry agent and truck inspector. He worked for the State of Utah until he retired. While working for the State of Utah, he was living in Evanston and became very familiar with the Unita Mountains. These were his favorite stomping grounds. He and his family spent many hours hiking around and exploring them.

Due to his health, he and his wife moved to Fredonia, Ariz., in 2002. Christina passed away six months after they moved. On June 12, 2004, he remarried to Paula Yancy, his best friend and sister-in-law, with the blessings of their children. They had 14 years of a loving, blessed marriage.

Ed is survived by his wife Paula; daughters Morgan Wynne, Candy and Brandy; stepson Mark Force; sisters Sherry and Linda, brothers David, Irwin, Monty, James, Melvin, Kelly and Paul, his 19 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Johnny, wife Christina and stepdaughter, Tyra Chrisman

Memorial services will take place at Mosdell Mortuary Friday at 11 a.m.

Burial will follow in Fredonia, Ariz., at Fredonia Cemetery.