Marion E. Richey

Mr. Richey died Friday, May 30, 2003, at his home.

He was born July 12, 1915, in Altamont, the son of Earle J. and Wintress (Oakleaf) Richey. He moved with his family to Erie in 1922 and graduated from Erie High School in 1933. He attended Parsons College and graduated from Kansas University School of Pharmacy in 1938.

Mr. Richey worked at a drug store in Coffeyville then at Stewart Drug Store in Parsons from 1939 to 1944. He became an officer in the U.S. Navy in July 1944 and served in the Pacific theater before he was discharged in February 1946. He returned to Erie to work at his father’s business, Richey Drug Store. He sold the business in the ’80s, but continued to be involved in the store.

He served on the Erie Board of Education from 1952 to 1969 and had served on the Erie Library Board, Erie Pride Committee, Erie Savings and Loan Assn. board and as a Republican precinct committeeman. He helped organize the Mem Erie Historical Society and school reunions. He was a 57-year member of Erie American Legion, a 50-year member of Erie Masonic Lodge and Order of Eastern Star. He was also a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars, Kansas Pharmacists Assn., Kansas Republican Party and Grace Episcopal Church, where he served on the church vestry.

He married Carol L. Wiggans on Feb. 5, 1938, in Platte City, Mo. She died Oct. 16, 1980.

Survivors include a son, Mike, Fairfax, Va.; three daughters, Judith Johnson, Wichita, Mary Coleman, Tampa, Fla., and Kathy Walker, Lawrence; a brother, Ronald K., Birmingham, Ala.; eight grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.

Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. today at Pierce-Carson-Wall Funeral Home in Erie, where family will receive friends from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. today.

The family suggests memorials to Erie Library or Erie American Legion, sent in care of the funeral home, 303 N. Grant, Erie 66733.