Richard Keith Reding, Sr.

Richard Keith Reding, Sr. was born Sept. 10, 1935, in Montgomery County, Tennessee to Richard Carroll Reding and Leola Keith Reding. He was the first of their three children, followed by a brother, John, and their little sister, Sue Ann. Sometime later, the Reding children's dad became the Sheriff of Cheatam County, Tennessee. He enlisted in WW2 because he possessed the skills needed, so his wife, Leola, finished his term as sheriff!

In Mayfield, Kentucky, his family lived "catty-corner" backyard to the family which included Sarah Lou Workman. He was smitten! They married on Oct. 8, 1955. Into this union were born Richard Keith Reding, Jr. in 1958 in Kentucky, and Sue Kim Reding in 1962 in Bakersfield.

In between the births of their children, Richard and Sarah moved to Wasco and built a life of community involvement and contribution. Richard taught physical education, health and typing at Thomas Jefferson Junior High/Middle School for 35 years! A gymnasium has been built and named in his honor at the recently remodeled and renamed Palm Avenue Middle School, merely a half-block from their home!

Richard and Sarah were involved in the annual Wasco Rose Festival for many years and once served as the Grand Marshals of its parade. They were faithful members of Grace Community Church in Wasco.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents, RC and Leola Reding; his father-in-law, Carvil Workman; and brothers-in-law, Jim and Donald Workman. He is survived by his wife, Sarah; his brother, John, and John's wife, Mary; sister, Sue Ann; son, Richard Keith Reding, Jr.; daughter, Sue Kim Reding Edwards, and her husband, Doug Edwards. Also surviving Richard is his daughter-in-honor, Sandy Reding.

"Papa" will forever be loved by grandchildren, Kristen Edwards Denton and husband Ryan, Patrick Reding, Leslie Edwards, Christopher Reding, Jordan Reding and his fiancée, Maritza Anaya, and great-grandchildren Parker and Morgan Denton.

Dad's viewing will occur on Friday, March 29, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Peters Funeral Home, Wasco. His funeral will be held on Saturday, March 30, at 10 a.m. at Grace Community Church, Wasco.