David Richards-1990

Funeral services for David Arthur Richards were Wednesday, Mary 2, 1990, at 1:30 p.m. at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Bethune with Rev. Ronald Powers officiating.  Song selections included "Amazing Grace", "The Old Rugged Cross" and "How Great Thou Art" with the singers being the men's choir and the organist Jean Weisshaar.  Casket bearers were Junior Siruta, David Johnson, Sid Richards, Ron Richards, Tod Richards, Kenny Mangus, Scott Powell, Mike Ketter and Justin Colglazier.  Honorary casket bearers were Gail Siruta, Sheila Johnson, Shelly Mangus, Kathy Powell, Michelle Richards, Tonja Ketter and Cindy Colglazier.  Great-grandchildren were Craig Johnson, Amanda Johnson, Shawn Powell, Kelle Mangus, Kash Mangus, Kaycee Powell and Hunter Richards.  Interment was in the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery in Bethune with Hendricks Mortuary of Burlington in charge of arrangements.

David Arthur Richards was the second of five children born to John and Mayme (Anderson) Richards.  He was born Nov., 16, 1912, at the Richards' homestead, Yuma county.

Dave attend the Ritzus' School near Hermes for grades 1-10, and finished high school at Bethune High School in 1933.  Dave was a champion runner and sprinter, having won over two dozen first-place ribbons in the 100-yard and 220-yard dash competitions. On Sept. 6 1933, Dave married Amanda Helena Adolf in Burlington and made their first home on the Earl Galbreath ranch near Idalia.  They later moved to the Earl Bardwell ranch on the Republican River, where their first daughter, Esther (Young) was born.  In the spring of 1936, they moved to Wapato, WA, seeking work during the tough times of dust bowl and depression.  While working in Washington, their son Duaine was born.  Moving back to Kit Carson County in 1937, the Richards rented and later bought the Bill Andrews' farm on the Republican River.  Two more daughters were born to the couple:  Donna Kay (Powell) and Mary Louise (Colglazier). 

In 1950 they brought their home in Bethune -- the remodeled Columbine schoolhouse they moved in from the country.  Dave worked for a Conoco seismograph crew, and later bought and operated the Conoco station in Bethune for about 10 years, as well as the Burlington bulk plant.  After selling the station, he went to work for the Roberts Construction Co. on the construction of Interstate 70 for a short period before going to work for Kit Carson County roads and maintenance, retiring as foreman in 1987, after more than 20 years service.  He continued to farm on the side.

Dave and Amanda enjoyed traveling in recent years especially to Alaska and Kansas to visit family.  To be surrounded by their children, nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren was his greatest pleasure.  Dave possessed a great sense of humor and his enjoyment of life is the memory of Dave that his family and large circle of friends will cherish the longest.  Dave was baptized and confirmed by Pastor H.L. Woelber at Immanuel Lutheran Church, north of Bethune where he will be laid to rest in the sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life.  Dave is survived by his wife, Amanda, of 56 years, and children Esther and husband Bob Young of Burlington, Duaine and wife Ardith of Palmer, OK, Donna Kay Powell of Bethune, Mary and husband Fred Colglazier of Burlington; grandchildren Gail and husband Junior Siruta of Levant, KS, Sheila and husband David Johnson of Holyoke, Shelly and husband Kenny Mangus of Kiowa, KS,  Scott and wife Kathy of Palmer, AL, Sid Richards, Ron and Wife Michelle, and Todd Richards all of Palmer AL, Tonja and Husband Mike Ketter of St. Francis, KS, and Justin Colglazier and wife Cindy of Burlington;  great-grandchildren Craig and Amanda Johnson, Kelle and Kash Mangus, Shawn and Kaycee Powell, Hunter Richards.  Hi is also survived by his sisters and brothers -- Elva Powell of Burlington, Harry Lewis Richards and wife Ruth of Burlington, Burdine Homm and Husband Howard Home of Burlington, Robert Richards of Denver; and many nieces and nephews and a large circle of friends.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that you send memorials to the Kit Carson County Memorial Hospital fund or to American Diabetes Foundation.