Obituary of Richard Lee Wakeman

Richard Lee Wakeman, 74, of Milliken passed away at his home on Monday, November 1, 2021 surrounded by his family after a battle with liver cancer. He was born in Greeley, Colorado to Reginald "Rex” Richard and Velma Grace (Mellon) Wakeman on July 27, 1947. He was a lifelong resident of Milliken, Colorado. As a teen, he worked with his father, Rex, the town Mayor and maintenance man, in many capacities fulfilling any need that arose. He attended Milliken High School through 9th grade and completed his high school years in the newly formed Weld RE-5J school district graduating from Roosevelt High School in 1965. He then attended the Lincoln Technical Institute, completing the diesel mechanics program and obtained a commercial drivers license in his younger years. Rich married his high school sweetheart, Margaret "Peggy” Nelson on August 26, 1966. In October of that year, he joined the Wyoming Air National Guard and served for 6 years. They were blessed with three children in the next few years, Kristin, James, and Mindy. During his early career, Rich worked for Ehrlich Motors, Garnsey & Wheeler Ford, Purdy Ford, Whitney International and Greeley Truck Line as a mechanic. Following, he took a break from the mechanic scene and drove a cement mixer at Loveland Ready Mix for 10 years where he established a reputation as a very skilled driver. In 1998 Rich, Peggy, James and Craig (Kristin’s husband) opened their own business, JCR Automotive, in Milliken. After 14 years of operation, they sold the business and Rich went back to work as mixer driver for Johnstown Ready Mix. Throughout his working career, Rich also volunteered as a firefighter with the Milliken Fire Department for more than 20 years, contributing many hours attending calls and maintaining equipment. He retired the summer of 2014 to become the fulltime family handyman. Rich also cherished spending time with family; camping, fishing, bowling, gardening, coaching 4-H softball, and working on vehicles for friends and family. He was a lifelong member of Milliken Presbyterian Church and served several terms as a trustee. Along with his experience in mechanics, he was also skilled in the areas of plumbing, electrical, welding, woodworking, heavy equipment operation and repair, small engine repair and had the ability to fix about anything with parts. His patient demeanor made him a teacher and mentor by nature readily sharing his knowledge. He truly lived by the philosophy "teach a man to fish”. In his memory, the family will be establishing a memorial scholarship fund for the purpose of supporting students pursuing trade and vocational skills through the Weld RE-5J Education Foundation and CTE Program. He is survived by his wife, Peggy Wakeman, children; Kristin (Craig) Eidson, James (Crystal) Wakeman, and Mindy Wakeman all living in Milliken, CO, grandchildren; Cassy (Matt) Stoaks, Katy (David) Nun, Caleb (Melina) Wakeman, Becky (Cody) Lussier, Aaron (Ashley) Eidson, Kylie (Chris) Gomez, Kelsy (Preston) Dickey and Kendra Eickleberry, great-grandchildren; Hunter, Mady, Payton, Teagan, Matthew "MJ”, Benson, Grayson, Annalee, and Lane, siblings; Janice (Kenneth) Williams and Larry (Cindy) Wakeman, both of Greeley, CO, along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rex and Velma Wakeman and great-grandchildren; Jackson Gomez, Landry, Reese, and Lee Lussier. Rich’s visitation will be held from 4-6 p.m. Thursday, November 18, 2021 at Adamson. Life Celebration 1:00 p.m. Friday at the Milliken Presbyterian Church. Interment Sunset Memorial Gardens with military honors. A reception will follow at the Milliken Presbyterian Church. Memorial gifts may be made to the "Weld RE-5J Foundation” in care of Adamson, 2000 47th Ave., Greeley, CO 80634. Friends may leave condolences at AdamsonCares.com.