Monte Gene Richardson

Monte Gene Richardson

On February 12, 2025, God called home Monte Gene Richardson. Born on January 24, 1956 to Evard Royce and DeEtta Richardson in Rock Springs, Wyoming. Monte is the 7th child out of 11.

On April 9, 1976 he met the love of his life Debbie Shaffer. From that night on they were never far apart. Monte and Debbie married on June 3, 1977 and Monte gained three sisters, Joy, Barbara, and Tanya.

On April 1, 1980, he became a father to Theresa with Charlie born in 1983 and Tecia in 1985.

He became a Papa when Monica was born in May of 2009, Reese followed in May of 2013, Katie in August of 2015, Camden in September of 2015 and Maci in September of 2016.

Monte never struggled to provide for his family, sometimes working three jobs. He loved running Richardson Backhoe Service for many years. He started working for Fremont County School District #1 in 1980 and retired in June of 2014. He started coaching soccer in 1980 and continued well after his kids were grown. Monte coached 7th and 8th grade boys basketball, 7th and 8th grade girls basketball, junior high football, 9th grade boys basketball, high school boys and girls soccer as well as youth basketball and youth soccer. When he retired from coaching at Fremont County School Dist #1, he had coached the most consecutive years of any other coach at that time. His players became a part of our family and he loved each and every one of them. Monte served on the Lander City Council before being elected as Mayor. His Mayorship started in 2019 and continued till his passing. He loved the City of Lander and its citizens. He always felt pride for being able to prepare Lander for future generations.

Throughout Monte's life he enjoyed many hobbies which including bull riding, riding horses, hunting, fishing, coaching, being in the mountains at his cabin, and being with his family. This last summer Papa and Nana started Cousin Camp at the cabin and a lot of memories were made. He will be missed tremendously by his wife, his children and grandchildren. We love him dearly and are super proud of him.

Survivors include his wife Debbie of 47 years, his children Theresa (Rodger) Weitzel of Lander, Charlie (Erin) Richardson of Cheyenne, and Tecia Waller of Lander. Grandchildren Monica Waller, Reese Weitzel, Katie Weitzel, Camden Richardson, and Maci Waller. Brothers Irwin (Cindy, Brian, Emily and families) Richardson, Melvin (Elsie and families) Richardson, Paul (Janice and families) Richardson, David (Val) Richardson, and James Richardson. Sisters Sherry Richardson, Linda Richardson, Joy Shaffer, Barbara (Shanay) Shaffer, Tanya (Jason, Jenna, and Nathan) Redman, plus numerous other family members.

Monte was preceded in death by his parents, mother-in-law Wilma Shaffer, father-in-law C.R. Shaffer, Brothers Edward, Johnny, and Kelly Richardson, nephew Josh Realing.