Elden "Bill" Richardson

Elden "Bill" Richardson, 85, of Moses Lake, passed away peacefully at home in his sleep on May 17, 2014. Bill bravely battled cancer for the past nine months. Bill was strong in his faith of seeing Jesus and didn't let anyone feel sorry for him. He was uplifting and jovial with all who visited.

Bill was born August 27, 1928 in Narka, Kansas to Elden and Daisy Richardson. He was the oldest of 9 children. His family moved to Dorchester, Nebraska when Bill was about 9 years old. He enlisted in the Air Force in October 1945. Bill was a Corporal and served as an Airplane and Engine Mechanic until October 1949 in Germany with the USAF 3595th Maintenance Squadron.

In 1950, Bill and an uncle moved to Ellensburg, Washington. There, Bill found a job driving a cattle truck. While driving back and forth to Moses Lake and Ellensburg he met Shirley Hennings at Hilltop Cafe and they married on January 26, 1952 in Moses Lake. Bill worked at Kwicky Korner Gas Station as a mechanic at the corner of West Broadway and Third Avenue from 1952 to 1955. In October of 1955 Bill began driving truck for Safeway from Moses Lake to Spokane and Bellevue. He retired from Safeway after 31 years.

Bill loved working on family and friend's vehicles, fishing and camping on the Little Wenatchee River and hiking in the Enchantments. He kept busy in retirement helping his son-in-laws with building and remodeling houses and farming. Bill also enjoyed fixing things and was great at it. Family and friends always called on Bill first when something broke.

Bill attended Moses Lake Free Methodist Church (Light and Life Fellowship) for 50 years. After closing in 2013 he began attending Lakeview Missionary Church and enjoyed meeting new friends especially through Men's Breakfast on Saturdays.

Bill is survived by his wife of 62 years, Shirley Richardson, 4 children and 15 grandchildren. Daughter, Linda (Marland) Radach and her children, Nichole (Chris) Franklin and Daniel (Macey) Radach all of Moses Lake. Daughter, Glenda Jenkins of Lind and her sons, Derek (Jessica) Jenkins of Ephrata, Aaron (Winter) Jenkins of Moses Lake, Deron (Haley) Jenkins of Hope Mills, North Carolina, Jaron (Amy) Jenkins of Ellensburg, Jarek Jenkins of Lind, and Jerry (Eleda) Najera of Lind. Son, Bill (Judy) Richardson and his children, Joe Richardson, Bridgette Richardson, Brittaney (John) Tisot, Janelle Richardson, Benjamin Richardson and Jonathan Richardson all of Phoenix, Arizona. Son, Duane (Renee) Richardson and his daughters, Elizabeth (Jon) Fritts and Carol (Chad) Moreth, all of Phoenix, Arizona. Also, 16 great-granchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elden and Daisy Richardson, his brother, Samuel, his sisters, Virginia, Goldie, and Grace and his son-in-law, Raymond Jenkins.

Bill was a husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was hard working, always willing to help a friend, family, or stranger. He loved teaching his grandchildren new things or any other life lessons he felt they needed to learn.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, June 7th, at Lakeview Missionary Church, 810 S. Evergreen Dr., in Moses Lake. A reception of lunch, visiting and recalling stories of Bill will follow the service at the church.

Please sign the online guestbook or leave a note for the family at www.kayserschapel.com. Arrangements are in care of Kayser's Chapel and Crematory.