Richey Lee Kettles, Sr. ... Age 74

Cremation
Memorial Service 5:30 pm Friday at Eddy-Birchard Funeral Home
Memorials are to the Richey Kettles, Sr. Memorial Fund
and may be sent c/o Eddy-Birchard Funeral Home
P.O. Box 430
Osawatomie, KS 66064
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Richey Lee Kettles age 74 of Osawatomie, Kansas died Saturday, October 28, 2017 at his home.

Richey was born July 27, 1943 to Richard Alvin and Margaret Louise (Taylor) Kettles in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the oldest of four.  He grew up in Albuquerque and loved to hunt and fish.  Richey graduated with the class of 1961 from Valley High School in Albuquerque.  After high school he went to work for the Sheriff’s Department before getting the opportunity to work for the fire department.  For 21 years, Richey saved countless lives fighting fires in New Mexico.

On May 25, 1985, Richey married Linda Powell in Albuquerque where they lived. They lived in various places before settling on a small farm in rural Osawatomie, Kansas.  Richey was very passionate about horses.  He was a Natural Horsemanship instructor and taught horse clinics at various people’s homes and arenas.  He also participated in competitive team roping.  Richey also did cowboy day work, moving cattle from place to place on horseback.  There wasn’t a horse that couldn’t be ridden by Richey.

Richey also loved music.  He could play any instrument with strings and even composed his own songs occasionally.  He also enjoyed working with leather and making jewelry.  He made many beautiful pieces over the years.  Richey’s greatest passion was his family; they were the center of his world.

Richey was a member of Pearl Street Baptist and Endless Mercy.  He was a devout, born again Christian.

Richey is preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors are his wife, Linda of the home, one son Richey Lee Kettles, Jr. of Kansas City, MO, two daughters Jessica (Tony) Stephenson of Osawatomie and Cheyenne (C.J. Godfrey) Kettles of Osawatomie, one brother Tom (Idie) Kettles of Albuquerque, NM, two sisters Linda Kettles of Belen, NM and Judy (Don) Yeary of Belen, NM, and three grandchildren Michaela, Lane, and Tucker.