Melvin “Mel” C. Richey, 83, of Pampa, passed away on Thursday, December 7, 2023, in Pampa.
Services will be at 2:00 PM Monday, December 11, 2023, at the Carmichael-Whatley Colonial Chapel with Pastor Johnny Widener, pastor of Bible Baptist Church in Dumas and Mel’s nephew, officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors and Crematory.
Visitation will be from 2:00 – 4:00 PM on Sunday, December 10, 2023, at the funeral home.
Mel was born on September 15, 1940, in Dumas to Melvin F. and Mable Perkins Richey. He grew up and attended school in the Texas panhandle. On November 27, 1963, Mel married the love of his life, Peggy Drake, in Guymon, Oklahoma, and the two just recently celebrated their 60th anniversary. Mel and Peggy moved to Pampa in 1979 where he worked as a maintenance supervisor for Phillips Petroleum Co. He was with Phillips for 32 years until his retirement. Mel and Peggy moved to Amarillo for a few years, but recently moved back to Pampa to be closer to family.
During retirement, Mel stayed very busy with several of his hobbies. He had a passion for pastel painting, painting portraits, and was a master wood worker. Anything that he set his mind to, he could accomplish. He was a member of the Amarillo Pastel Society, and his works were recognized by many. One of his paintings was chosen to hang in the gallery of the Governor’s office in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Another of his works was chosen to be on permanent display in a gallery in Raton, New Mexico.
Besides painting, Mel enjoyed fishing when he got the chance. His greatest joy was being Papa to 7 grandsons and 7 great-grandchildren. Mel loved to spend every minute he could with his family, and he would do anything for them. He went on many trips to the family cabin in New Mexico and enjoyed having all his family together. Mel was an amazing husband, father, and grandfather, and he will be missed by so many.
Mel is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Hardy Richey; and father and mother-in-law, Doss and Olivean Drake.
He is survived by his wife, Peggy Richey of the home; daughter, Charlene Gardner and husband Neal of Pampa; son, Tim Richey and special friend Jamie Humphrey of Pampa; grandsons, Tres Morris, Montana Richey, Trenton Richey and wife Kaylye, Conner Richey, and River Richey, all of Pampa, Tyler Morris and wife Brooke of Amarillo, and Tough Medina and wife Destiny of Council Grove, Kansas; great-grandchildren, Zane, Kimber, Briley, Renlye, Swayde, Elliot, and one on the way, Ryatt; sister, Alice Widener and husband Dale of Dumas; and numerous other nieces, nephews, and other extended family members.
Please sign the online register at www.carmichael-whatley.com.
