On Wednesday, July 21, 2021, Ormas “Gayle” Richmond slipped on his
favorite cowboy boots, boarded his old red Massey Ferguson tractor, and
set off for a final ride across a lush Kansas wheat field to join a much
deserved homecoming with loved ones eagerly awaiting him on the other
side. A gentle breeze was at his back with a full moon to light the way,
and most assuredly some ice cream figured in as well. It was a
celebration nearly a century in the making.
Gayle was born June 27, 1924 in Codell, KS to Ormas and Mary
(Gardels) Richmond. He was the fifth of six children: Olive, Verland,
Margaret, Ruth, & Evelyn. His family lived and farmed near the
Saline River, south of Codell. He was born Gale Ormas. His mother was
informed that the masculine spelling was “Gayle,” so his name was
changed in the 2nd grade. It was changed yet again when he registered
for the military and the postmaster entered his name as Ormas Gayle.
Gayle graduated from Codell High School in 1942. At the age of 18,
he enlisted in the Army and was later sent off to Japan. This was quite
an experience for a farm kid who had never ventured outside of county
lines. On the trip overseas, the crew got word that Japan had
surrendered. WWII was over. He completed the voyage and stayed on for
the next year as a military policeman.
On May 22, 1947, Gayle married Patricia Bea Stevenson, the
beautiful brown eyed teacher from the local one room schoolhouse. They
had three children together: Dennis, Denise, and Debra. Sadly, Pat died
of cancer in 1957, leaving him a widower with three young children and a
farm to tend. Gayle made the selfless decision to move in with his
mother-in-law, Florence Stevenson, and together they raised the kids.
In 1977, Gayle married Evelyn Simpson. Gayle, along with Evelyn’s
teenage son, Paul Simpson, farmed together. The couple’s religious faith
was a shared bond, and they attended the local Baptist church. They
shared many happy years together in their farmhouse outside of
Turkville, Saline Valley, KS, later moving into town prior to her death
in 2001.
In the 1970s, he experienced yet another name change: “Gramper.” His
grandkids loved the opportunity to leave the city behind to do some
exploring on his and Evelyn’s farm. So many wonderful family memories
were made during these visits.
Gayle had a true love of the land, his little slice of heaven in
Kansas. He farmed for a living, but raising cattle was his greatest joy.
He raised registered Hereford cattle for many years. Rattlesnakes
feared him, as he amassed a legendary collection of rattles in a large
glass jar over the years. In 1998, several scenes from Ride with the
Devil were filmed on his land. He got to meet the cast, and the director
told him that he had been all around the world, but had never seen a
sunset so beautiful. And on his 80th birthday, Gayle looked on with a
grin as oil was struck on his land….
He also had a lifelong passion for sports. Gayle played basketball,
football, and baseball in high school as a proud Codell Cougar. His
father passed on a special love of baseball to the family, cheering for
the New York Yankees on the radio. In 1985, Gayle and his brother
Verland got to attend a KC Royals World Series game together. Some
thirty years later, he cheered on his team to another World Series
victory.
In 2006, Gayle moved to Johnson County, KS to be closer to family.
He made the most of retirement community life, making many new friends
and even becoming the resident pool shark. He got to live a few units
down from his sister Ruth and her husband Duane Goodwin for several
years. Dominating Christmas decorating contests was a special source of
pride.
Those of us left waving goodbye, smile knowing that there are so
many more who are waving hello once again. Enjoy that homecoming,
Gramper. 97 years of hard work on this earth is an accomplishment—we are
proud of you! We are not surprised that you waited for the end of
harvest season to take your final adventure. You will be fondly
remembered for your strength, generosity, work ethic, love of ice cream,
and kind blue eyes.
Gayle’s survivors include: son Dennis (Mamie) Richmond, Port Saint
Lucie, FL; daughter Denise (Larry) Lynch, Shawnee, KS; daughter Debra
(Ed) Corbett, Olathe, KS; step-son, Paul (Tina) Simpson, Hays, KS; 7
grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren, 4 step grandchildren; 7
step-great-grandchildren; and many friends and other relatives.
Visitation will be on Tuesday, July 27, at the funeral home from 9AM
until service time, followed by the service at 2PM. Burial will follow
at the Plainville City Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the church or
charity of your choice. Or if you like, pass along an act of kindness to
honor the memory of a life well lived. Online condolences can be left
for the family at www.plumeroverlease.com.