Gary Richardson

Gary L. Richardson December 11, 1938 – January 22, 2026

Gary L. Richardson, 87, of Overland Park, Kansas, passed away peacefully on January 22, 2026. Born in Langley, Oklahoma, to Ernest and Ramona Richardson.

Gary proudly served his country in the United States Army, completing his training at Fort Hood, Texas, where he earned a Sharpshooter qualification. He continued his service in the Army Reserve with the 353rd Quartermaster Company in Ponca City, advancing to the rank of Specialist Fourth Class before completing his military obligation in 1965. He was honorably discharged and remained proud of his service throughout his life.

Following his military service, Gary built a 30-year career at Conoco in Ponca City, working in the Research and Development department as a fabrication specialist. His skilled hands and precise craftsmanship in welding and fabrication helped build custom equipment that served the entire facility. He retired in 1993.

In his younger years, Gary was a wrestler at Ponca City High School and later gave back to his community by coaching youth baseball, taking pride in mentoring young athletes.

Gary loved the simple pleasures in life—fishing, boating, and spending time at car shows with his prized 1972 Chevelle. He could often be found driving around town, windows down, listening to oldies on the radio.

A man of deep and abiding faith, Gary was a devoted Christian who read his Bible daily. His faith was central to who he was, and he carried it with him quietly and consistently throughout his life.

Nothing brought Gary more joy than being "G-Pa" to his grandchildren—Bogan, Margo, Ellis, and Isla—and "dog G-Pa" to Koda, the family Frenchie.

Gary is survived by his sons, Eric Richardson and wife Kristen of Overland Park, Kansas, and Damon Richardson and wife Christy of Kerrville, Texas; his grandchildren, Brogan, Margo, Ellis, and Isla Richardson; and his sister, Janice Brown. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Ramona Richardson.

God Loves Us All written by Gary Richardson

If you pray to God above, He will send you His eternal love;

If you and God seem apart, Pray to Him with all your heart;

Ask God to forgive you of all, Then stay true to Him and you'll never fall;

You can then walk down life's road, And God will help you carry the load;

And then if you should go astray Right away lift up your hands and pray;

Always keep in mind if any of us should fall, God will pick us up, for He loves us all.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Foundation at www.vfw.org

Private burial in Resthaven Memorial Park, Ponca City, Oklahoma.

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