Robert Wayne Richey

Robert Wayne Richey, a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed away on August 9, 2024 after losing his battle with cancer. He was 69.

Robert is survived by spouse, Cynthia "Gidget" Richey; daughter, Sondra Hendricks and her husband, Jeremy and their children, Collin, Garrett and Briley; step-daughter, Danielle Bodenhamer and her husband, Joe and their children, Autumn, Kalyn, Trinity, Kraven and Kadence; stepson, Bobby Cooper and wife, Amanda and their children, Sierra, Andrew and Avery; brother, Mark Richey; sister-in-law, Sherrie Richey; many nephews, nieces, grand nephews, grand nieces; and his beloved cat, Mbili.

He was preceded in death by his father, Walter Richey; mother, Johne Richey; sister, Carolyn Flynn; and his beloved cat, Moja.

Bob grew up in Texas in a scouting family, earning the Eagle Scout rank and the God and Country award at a young age, which nurtured his love of the outdoors. He completed college and obtained his CPA certification.

He owned many businesses throughout his life, including a Hallmark franchise and several home health enterprises in Texas. For many years, Bob served as a volunteer deputy sheriff in Texas.

He enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle and sailing the coastal waters of Alaska. He spent most of his adult life in Texas but relished his move to a ranch near Hulett, Wyoming in recent years.

Bob was best known for his generous, outgoing and empathetic personality and ability to engage people with friendly conversation. He never met a stranger. He was instantly liked by many of the residents of the Hulett area and felt welcomed into the Hulett community.

He served on the local hospital board while continuing to manage his business in Texas. When asked about the best aspect of living in the Wyoming community, the answer was always in tribute to the people who lived there.

People from all walks of life called him a friend, and he was comfortable in the Oval Office or in the woods. He was even voted the best customer at the local golf club/restaurant by the club employees.

Bob loved his friends in the Hulett area and thought of them as family. He taught PJ, age nine, to shoot a .22 pistol and Meghyn, age five, referred to him as "My Bob" while running to embrace him with open arms.

Bob was known for his love of animals, particularly exotic cats. He volunteered for years at an exotic cat foundation in Texas, nursing and caring for lions and tigers and other animals, and was friends with Marlin Perkins (Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom).

He was an expert marksman and skilled hunter from a young age, and was chosen to dart a white rhinoceros for a veterinarian in Africa in 2016. He traveled extensively to five continents, making numerous trips to Africa. His home was adorned by many trophies, and he was successful in bagging the top five most dangerous animals in the world, including a world record crocodile taken with a handgun.

Bob was a courageous, quick-thinking pilot and managed to land a small airplane with engine failure on a highway, avoiding any injuries. In addition to his many talents, he was admired for his caring, helpful nature, and was known as a loving husband, caring family member and devoted friend.

Special thanks to the many that sent cards, prayers, food, and helped to provide care in his time of need. Ya'll truly showed him how much he was loved.

A memorial service was Saturday, August 17, 2024 at the Greater Hulett Community Center.

In leu of flowers, donations can be made to the CCMSD Medical Services Foundation, 51 Deer Creek Road, Hulett, Wyoming 82720, which is a 501 C3 entity, please request receipt if desired.