Norman Richards

Funeral services for Norman Richards, 91, will be Friday October 7, 2016 at 10:30am at the Trinity United Methodist Church in Lead, South Dakota. Pastor Marc Phillips will be officiating with a reception to follow. Burial will take place at 2:30 p.m., following the reception at the Black Hills National Cemetery where he will be reunited with his wife.Norm was born March 22, 1925 in Lead, South Dakota to Bessie (Gay) and William Alfred Richards. He passed away September 29, 2016 in Gillette, Wyoming with family by his side.He was a World War II veteran serving in the Merchant Marines. His unit dodged enemy subs to run supplies to soldiers fighting on the front lines in the war. It was a very dangerous and important job.Norm married Betty Darlene Tetrault (deceased) on September 19, 1946 in Deadwood, South Dakota. At the time of her death, they were married nearly 64 years. He missed her every single day following her death. During their marriage, Norman and Darlene were blessed with four children: Norman Jr (deceased), Norma, Mark (deceased), and Keith.He was proud to have been employed by Homestake Mining Company for 45+ years. He worked underground doing various job, including being one of the best track man at the time. He ended his career above ground at the tramway.Norm was a charismatic charmer. He coaxed a smile from every person he met. He always had a story to share. Some stories he loved to share was how he acquired his tattoo in India during the war, and sleeping underneath his car during a family trip to New York City. Norm made spending time with family a priority. He would take a full unpaid month away from work every year to spend time with his kids. To do this, he had to be very frugal the rest of the year, a trait he passed on to his family. He and Darlene stayed very busy. He played baseball and coached his son's teams. He joined a bowling league and earned many trophies. He went bowling only 9 months ago, beating everyone that day. He spent many hours golfing and volunteering at the Lead Country Club. He enjoyed relearning to play golf in the sand of Arizona after his retirement. He also loved pitching horseshoes, skiing, snowmobiling, hunting and fishing. He was prepared for any situation and always willing to loan a helping hand. The thing he is most known for is his dancing. Norm and Darlene started dancing after their kids were grown and many Saturday nights were spent dancing at the Moose Lodge or VFW. He was light on his feet, making him a graceful dancer, and he taught all of his granddaughters to dance. He danced up until 2 months before his death. He enjoyed life and loved to spoil his grandkids, especially when he could find a deal at the thrift store for them. The grandkids all have wonderful memories of going to his house after school and being defeated in cards, and his love of ice cream. He took great pride in his 1965 Rambler that he showed off nearly every year at Cool Deadwood Nights, an event that he helped create. Those left to cherish his memory are his daughter Norma Cooper (Will) of Dayton, WY; daughter in law, Carol Richards Bishop (Steve) of Wright, WY; son, Keith Richards of Spearfish, SD; five granddaughters, Heidi, Dawn, Heather, Derekia and Meri; one grandson, Jason; great grandchildren, Austin, Evan, Tanner, Ana, Ryan, Brady, Claire, Bailey, Cooper, Wyatt, Mark Aiden and Addie. He was the last remaining of 13 siblings.A memorial has been established in Norman's name. Memorials and Condolences may be sent to the family in care of Walker Funeral Home, 410 Medical Arts Court, Gillette, WY 82716. Condolences may also be sent online at www.walkerfuneralgillette.comFuneral Home:Gillette Memorial Chapel210 West Fifth Street Gillette, WYUS 82716