Wayne Niel Richardson

Wayne Niel Richardson took his last ride on his way to Heaven on Monday, March 14, 2011.

Wayne attended school in Chinook and Havre areas and graduated in Hamilton. He joined the U. S. Navy to serve his country during the Vietnam conflict. Wayne worked on several ranches in the Chinook area where he learned the life of a cowboy.

Wayne had four daughters with his first wife, Sharon. This is when Wayne first felt his calling to preach God's word. He felt his ministry was to be a cowboy preacher. He taught himself to play the guitar under the guiding hand of one of his favorite musicians, his mom.

Wayne, his first wife Sharon and his Mom sang gospel and country music. Eventually their music led them to Nashville where Wayne recorded his first record, The Master Call.

He was preceded in death by his dad, Cecil Richardson.

He is survived by his step-dad, Bill; and his mother, Avis Groseclose; his stepmother, Shirley Richardson; and his four daughters, Sarah (Joe) Reyolds, Gracie (Allen) Steele, Angela (Dan) Flathers and Lucinda Vetter and his grand children, Sean Wayne, Quentin, Raquel (Weezy), Alyssa, Becka, Jolene, Jayden, Taylor, Lilly, Logan, Jameson, Breanna and Madison.

He also leaves behind brothers, Ralph (Jean) Richardson and Steve (Tammy) Groseclose; his sisters, Nancy Sabo, Neva Jo (Leo) Miller, Cathy (Hank) LaWatsch, Peggy (John) Gideon and Lisa (George) Goodyard, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Wayne's life will be held in Apache Junction, Ariz., and at a later date in Montana.