Wayne Romine Richards of McCook, long time resident of the Hamlet community, passed away Wednesday, June 13, 2018 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, Neb. He was 96 years old.
    Wayne was born on March 7, 1922, at rural Stratton, Neb., to parents, Prier and Blanche (Romine) Richards. He attended Eden Grade School and later Stratton High School. Wayne was a proud and deserving recipient of an honorary High School Diploma granted to all World War II veterans’ who had to quit school to serve their country.
    He entered the US Navy on Sept. 12, 1942 and served during World War II. He was honorably discharged on Dec. 17, 1945.
    On Aug. 24, 1947, he was united in marriage to Betty Coleen Jessen at the Trenton United Methodist Church. To this union two sons, Kent and Larry, were born. They made their home on a farm east of Palisade. In 1950, they purchased and moved to a farm south of Hamlet. Wayne farmed all of his life raising various crops and cattle until his retirement.
    Wayne and Betty enjoyed dancing and following their son’s activities. Farming with Belgians and mules became Wayne’s favorite hobby and pastime.
    Preceding him in death were his parents Prier and Blanche Richards; his wife Betty Richards; son Larry Richards; brother Gilbert “Gib” Richards; and sister Ruth Hamilton.
      Survivors include his son Kent Richards of McCook; brother Dale Richards of Venice, Calif.; grandchildren Jessen (Emily) Richards of Centennial, Colo., and Quinn (Mike) Leeper of Escondido, Calif.; and a host of family and friends.
    Visitation was held Monday, June 18, 2018, at Herrmann Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook. Friends may go online at www.herrmannfh.com to extend words of comfort to the family.
    Funeral service were Tuesday, June 19, 2018, at the Wauneta Community Building (former American Legion Hall) with Dennis Youngs officiating.
    Burial followed at the Riverside Cemetery, Wauneta, Neb., with full Military Honors. The family will honor Wayne’s request to be taken to the cemetery in a mule-drawn hearse.
    Herrmann Jones Funeral Chapel of McCook, Neb., is entrusted with arrangements.