French LeRoy Richey

French LeRoy Richey, 86, passed away on October 13, 2023. He was born on May 8, 1937, in Caney, Kansas, the son of Charley and Frenchie (Woods) Richey. French spent his early years in Caney before moving to Independence, Kansas, where he graduated with the class of 1955. Right after graduation, he married Ada Mae Young, of Thayer, Kansas.
Over the following years, French worked in various places, including Chula Vista, California; Wichita and Paola, Kansas; and Excelsior, Springs, Missouri in roles such as aviation, appliance manufacturing, quality control at Avsco, and Maintenance Mechanic at the American Italian pasta company where he retired in 2000. He also ran a Christian bookstore and printing company. 

He and Ada Mae moved to Claremore in 2000 to build their retirement home on their son’s property. After 52 years of marriage, Ada Mae passed away.

He married Elaine (Meredith Blevins) Richey, on August 29, 2008, in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. They have enjoyed 15 wonderful years together.

French was actively involved in his church, serving as an Elder, Deacon, Sunday School teacher and anywhere he was needed. The past few years, he’s enjoyed attending the men's breakfasts at North Park Trinity. Some of his favorite hobbies included fishing with his friend Gary Bell, woodworking, and hunting.

He is preceded in death by his first wife, Ada Mae Young, his parents Charley Richey and Frenchie Morehouse, and sisters Juanita Kay Roth and Etta Marie Richey, and granddaughter, Kyleigh. French is survived by his wife, Elaine Richey, son Charley Richey and (Sheila) of Claremore, OK, daughters Diana Cook and (Wayne) of Bentonville, AR, Janice Fink  and (Philip) of Rogers, AR, Misti Herring and (Emory) of Princeton, TX, and Melinda Rowan and (Jeremy) of Kingfisher, OK. Ten grandchildren: Joshua, Vanessa, Scott and (Andrea), Alaina and (Nicholas), Paul and (Heather), Stephanie and (Connor), Aaron, Gracie, Jude, and Kelsey. Six great grandchildren: Jensen, Matheus, Leon, Colleen, Madalyn, and Cliff. His brother Harley Eugene Woods (Donna) and nephew Gene, and nieces Karen, Sharen, Kathy and Emily, along with dear cousins and many other extended family members.

He always had a kind word, quick wit and long stories.  He liked to remind everyone he was “too blessed to be stressed”.  French's memory will be cherished by all who knew him.  

Those who wish to honor French by making a memorial contribution may contribute to A-Vow Hospice, www.a-vowhospice.com, or North Park Trinity Baptist Church, Memorials may be made in French's name to https://app.aplos.com/aws/give/NorthParkTrinityBaptistChurch/OnlineGiving