Gary Anthon Richardson

Gary Anthon Richardson passed away January 19, 2021 while on assignment caring for Aravaipa Ranch.
Gary was born November 17, 1942 in Grants, NM to Anthon and Barbara (Tietjen) Richardson. He was the first of 10 children.
For his first 6 years he had no siblings. He went everywhere with his parents including Amarillo, Texas, Fairbanks and Nome, Alaska while his father was in the service. He said he was “number one” and very privileged and spoiled by aunts, uncles, and grandparents.
He graduated from Tempe High in 1961. In 1962 he married the love of his life, Deborah Lewis, and was sealed in the Mesa Temple in 1964. They were blessed with 5 daughters, Candith (Mark) Williams, Jolene (John) Mortensen, Andrea (David) Riding, Tonya (Jay) Klepinger, and Serena (Trevor) Nielson.
Gary worked for General Motors Proving Ground for 36 years. After retirement, he served over 15 years at the Bishops Storehouse delivering food to various areas in the state, including Prescott, Flagstaff, Globe and Payson. He served up to the time of his death.
Gary enjoyed the outdoors, scouting for hunting, and hunting with family and friends. He loved family history and instilled the same love in his children and extended family. He was proud of his heritage and his membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He enjoyed his Thursday lunches with his retired GM buddies.
Gary is survived by his wife, Deborah, of 58 years, his daughters, their spouses, 30 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and one more due in May. He is also survived by 7 siblings, Garth (Becky), Russ (Sheila), Becky Jo (Steve) Zeigler, Bonnie (Daniel) Young, Clay (Shelley), Wade (Shelly), Brookie (John Loren) McCleve, and sister-in-law Joyce Richardson.
He was preceded in death by his parents Anthon and Barbara Richardson, and brothers Paul and Leroy.
The funeral service will be held at 12PM on Thursday, January 28th at Alta Mesa Stake Center 5350 E McLellan Rd. Mesa, AZ 85205, with visitation from 10:30AM-11:30AM.
The funeral is going to be live-streamed, here is the link and the code:
http://mywebcast.churchofjesuschrist.org/mesaarizonaaltamesastake
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