Marion Lecil Richards passed this life on October 23, 2017 in Lubbock, TX at the age of 89 years. Marion was born on September 18, 1928 at the family farm in Dora, NM to Robert L. Richards and Bessie Avelyn Bennett Richards.
He graduated from Dora High School in 1944 and began teaching and coaching in Causey, NM in 1944 at the age of 18. Marion played basketball and football in high school and for Eastern New Mexico University where he obtained his Bachelors Degree in Education. He obtained his Master’s Degree from Western New Mexico University in 1961.
Marion and Mary Jo Turner Richards were married on October 26, 1948. Three sons and one daughter were born of this marriage.
In addition to teaching and coaching in Causey, Dora, Penasco and Roswell, NM, Marion was a principal at Mountain View Elementary and mid-school, Walker Air Force Base, seventeen years at Berrendo Middle School and was the superintendent of the Chaves County Independent School District until its consolidation with the city.
Marion was an educator for 37 years and retired in June of 1983 to follow his passion for fishing and hunting. Unfortunately, he suffered an accident in May of 1984 that rendered him quadriplegic for over 33 years.
Marion was an avid sportsman and athlete in addition to being a devoted Christian. He was an elder at West Alameda Church of Christ in Roswell, NM for over 33 years where he was a mainstay of said congregation. He and Mary Jo opened their home to anybody and everybody and all were welcome. They entertained friends, family and guests at least once a week. Marion participated in The Senior Superstar Competition for many years and diligently jogged at least 5 miles a day until his injury.
He dearly loved hunting and fishing and spent as much time as possible enjoying such activities.
Marion was inducted into The Educators Hall of Honor at Eastern New Mexico University in 2012.
Survivors include his wife, Mary Jo, children; Lecil and Pam Richards, Ft Sumner; Damon Richards, Lubbock; Quata Richards, Lubbock; R.L. And Christi Richards, Muleshoe. Grandchildren: Tahnee and Chad Elliott, Ryder and Sue Ann Richards, Jerrett Richards, Lacy Richards, Brooks and Misty Jobe, Lexa and Andrew Dahl­ Bredine, Jace and Audra Richards, Zane and Jessie Jobe, Elizabeth and Logan Capps, Jaben and Savannah Richards, Nicole and Tyler Anthony, Skylar Richards, Levi Richards and Victoria Richards. GreatGrandchildren: Alexa Elliott, Kieran Elliott, Gracey Taylor, Dalley Jobe, Grace Dahl-Bredine, Ellie Anthony, River Dahl-Bredine, Tule Dahl-Bredine, Weston Capps, Gentry Capps and Remi Anthony (due in November). Marion’s siblings include Wanda Baczik (d), Max and Nell Richards, Jimmie (d) and AnnaBeth (d) Richards, Clyde and Ruth Richards, Lynda and Fount Schultz, and Kay and Roy Gatewood.
A memorial and celebration of life service will be held at The Texico School Auditorium at 2:00p.m. On Friday, October 27,2017.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Eastern Plains Athletic Conference (EPAC) at REC 6, PO Box 847, Portales, NM 88130.