Fred Ellis Richardson was born July 15, 1918 in Gregg, Oklahoma to Scott and Minnie Mae Smart Richardson. Fred passed from this life Tuesday, August 3, 2010 at his home in Waurika surrounded by his family. Fred was ninety-two years young. Fred served his country in the United States Navy in World War II. He owned and operated R&M Equipment with his brother in law Harry Martin selling International Harvesters until 1964. He purchased the Ford dealership in Waurika in 1965 and then the Chevrolet Dealership in 1966. During the 70's his son in law Gary became part of the business and they operated as Gerken-Richardson Auto. He retired in 1995 after fifty years. Fred and Betty Stanley were married February 9, 1947 in Waurika, Oklahoma. She preceded him in death May 6, 1991. He married Barbara Worley May 16, 1992.

Fred was very active in the community, he served as mayor of Waurika, President of the Chamber of Commerce for multiple years, member of the Lions Club, chairman of the Waurika Master Conservancy Board for 46 years, and was named outstanding citizen in 19 and 2009. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Waurika where he also taught Sunday School.

Fred is survived by his wife Barbara of the home, his children - Stan Richardson and wife Sharon, Becky Gerken and husband Gary, Ann Hodges and husband Everett, and Sandra Watkins and husband Donnie all of Waurika, three stepchildren - Carmen Perkins and Brad, Chris Worley, Heather Harris and Gary, eight grandchildren - Craig Gerken, Michelle Hall, Steve Waid, Jon Waid, Kyle Ellis Waid, Renae Greer, Braden Watkins, and Derek Richardson, four step grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren and five step great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by a special caretaker - Carol Mahoney. He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife - Betty, and ten brothers and sisters.

Funeral Service will be Friday, August 6, 2010 at 2:00PM at the First Baptist Church in Waurika with Rev. Reed Montgomery and Rev. Jeff McLemore officiating. Burial will be in the Waurika Cemetery under the direction of Dudley Funeral Home in Waurika. Visitation will be Thursday from 9AM-8PM with family receiving visitors from 6-7PM at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church Choir Fund or the Jefferson County Hospital.