Richard William Espey Sr.

Richard was born February 11, 1921 in Yakima, Washington. A couple of years later his father LeRoy and mother Annie Laurie, along with his three older brothers, moved to Grants Pass where Richard spent his childhood, graduating from Grants Pass High School in 1940. While attending Willamette University, he met Phyllis M Anderson who he married just a year later while on leave from the US Army. During his tour of duty, Richard served in WWII with the 7th Army, 44th Infantry, as a communications squad leader. After WWII ended, Richard and Phyllis moved to Richmond, California, for a year before settling in Salem. Richard joined with Paul Specht as co-owners of Espey and Specht Chevron for more than 20 years. After Phyllis passed away in 1978, Richard married Teresa Reding and they were married for over thirty years until her passing in 2011. Richard always talked about how he was so lucky to have been married to two beautiful and wonderful women during his lifetime. Richard was preceded in death by his daughter Claudine who passed away in 2000, and also three older brothers; Larry, Arnold, and Albert (Nolan). Richard is survived by his two sons Steven (Salem) and Richard Jr and his wife Shari (Meridian, ID), and four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. In addition, he is survived by four step-daughters and four stepsons along with numerous step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren. His cremated remains will be placed next to Phyllis Espey at Mt. Hope Cemetery.