Richard Manley

Richard Manley, 67 of Ucross, WY died April 22, 2025 at his home. Born in Ardmore, OK on December 22, 1957 to Charles and Janice Manley, Richard grew up working with his dad and grandads north of town. He looked forward to spending busy summers at the ranch. His love for cattle and horses translated into a fulfilling career.

Richard lived a social life from grade school in Ardmore to loving junior high and high school in Tishomingo, OK where he graduated with the class of 1976. Several of his classmates remained close friends his entire life. Richard looked forward to seeing them all and reminiscing about football or FFA, plus their many antics and good times on his annual trips to Oklahoma.

His favorite classroom however, was on horseback. Specifically, Richard teamed up successfully with Old Pat, Waylon, and Eli, who were some of his most skilled horses. From Ladd Hitch Feed Lot in Guymon, OK to the ranches of Wyoming, Richard loved the land and the life he was living. He also worked for Buffalo Livestock Market as yard foreman, Superior Livestock Internet Auction Co. and Northern Livestock as a video sales rep, and neighbors helping neighbors during branding and shipping. He was familiar with many private operations from Utah and Montana to North and South Dakota.

Tempered by adversity and disappointments, yet always the eternal optimist, Richard’s faith sustained him. Riding the mountain was a sanctuary where God often spoke and encouraged Richard. He will be remembered for his ‘humor and kindness’, as ‘our top roper’, a ‘fantastic dancer’, and for his determination to keep moving forward.

Richard is survived by his two sons, Colter and wife Maddy of Ucross, WY and Zane Luke and wife Amelia and their sons, Shepherd, Fischer, and baby girl, Sunny, due in August of Ardmore, OK.  Loved like a son is Hadley West and Jessica Nicole of Clearmont, WY.

Other family includes one brother, Randy Manley and wife Kellie of Texas City, TX and nephew Chuck Manley of Okeechobee, FL; one sister, Kathy Nan Fagala and husband Wayne of Ardmore, OK and nieces and nephews Jessica Kowalchuk, Whitney Ground, Gloria Fagala, Adam, Daniel, David and Mark Fagala and their families; and seven Manley cousins and extended family.

Richard had a long-term relationship with Carol Kirk of Sturgis, SD. He loved Carol and considered her his good Samaritan care giver and extra special, faithful to the end girlfriend.

A celebration of Richard’s life will be conducted by family and held in Wyoming at a later date. Cremation with care was done by Champion Kane Funeral Home of Sheridan.

Since there will be no pallbearers, Richard’s Wyoming friends of Honorable Mention include:  Tim Reimler, Jay Godley, Joe Henry, Dave Perry, Doug Haye, Eric Felbeck, Chris George, Dave Hoyt, and Tommy Bernard.

Online condolences may be written at www.kanefuneral.com.

Champion Kane Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.