Richard John McPherson

Richard McPherson, 75, passed away peacefully on November 29, 2025. Born on January 4, 1950, in Boise, Idaho, Richard grew up with a deep appreciation for family, faith, and the outdoors-values that shaped his entire life.

Richard graduated from Highland High School in Pocatello, Idaho, and went on to attend the Instrument Technology Trade School at Idaho State University. During his teenage years, he met the love of his life, Melody Farley. The two married shortly after high school and spent their lives together, sharing unwavering faith, devotion to family, and a partnership grounded in friendship and love.

After completing trade school, Richard began his career at FMC in Green River, Wyoming. He later joined Utah Power and Light in Kemmerer, Wyoming, where he worked for 19 years. He finished his career with Xcel Energy in Brush, Colorado. Upon retirement, Richard and Melody moved to Yukon, Oklahoma, to be closer to their daughter and grandchildren.

A devoted husband and father, Richard and Melody raised two children, Heather and John. He was a man who always put family first-fiercely loving his children, grandchildren, and extended family. He found joy in traveling, skiing, camping, and Hunting.

Richard lived a life of service. He was active in every community he called home and dedicated many years to the Episcopal Church, serving on boards and councils in Kemmerer, Wyoming, and Fort Morgan, Colorado. His faith guided him, and his quiet strength and generosity touched many.

An avid outdoorsman, Richard was happiest with a fishing pole in hand, searching for rocks, or elk hunting in the mountains he loved so deeply. A snowy wall tent was as comfortable to him as a second home. He never missed a chance to stop and smell the flowers, and he never passed up an opportunity to turn a chance encounter into a new friendship. Richard had a gift for conversation and an eagerness to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.

Richard is survived by his beloved wife, Melody Farley McPherson; his sisters Mary McPherson Huber, and her children Melody and Willis Huber and their families; and Flora McPherson Crockett, her husband Keith Crockett, and their children KC and Jonathan Crockett.

He is also survived by his children: Heather McPherson Martin (Yukon, OK), her husband Jeff Martin, and children Jessica Hunzie Moore, John Curtis Hunzie, Talon Martin, and Madison Martin; John McPherson (Laramie, WY), his wife Treasure Lowham McPherson, and their daughters Olivia and Katie McPherson.

Richard was preceded in death by his brother Marcus McPherson, his father Richard "Dick" McPherson, and his mother Frances Schrenck McPherson.

Richard's legacy is one of love, faith, kindness, and steadfast devotion. He leaves behind a family who adored him and countless friends whose lives were brightened by his warmth and generosity. He will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

The family asks that in place of flowers or gifts please donate to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation at https://shop.rmef.org/donate/memorials-honoraria/

There will be no services at this time.