Richard Tefertiller

Richard Claude Tefertiller

August 1, 1941 ~ December 11, 2021

Richard Claude Tefertiller made his last and final journey to be with our Lord on December 11, 2021 at 9:30 p.m. at the George E. Wahlen V.A. Home. He was born to Claude and Ruby Tefertiller on August 1, 1941 in Purcell, Oklahoma.

He attended and graduated in 1959 from Farmington High School in Farmington, New Mexico. In high school he excelled in academics as well as in sports including basketball, baseball and track. He went on to attend Abilene Christian University in Abilene, Texas majoring in pre-med and held a starting position on the college basketball team.

Rick married Penny Chapin in Evanston on November 23, 1963 at the United Methodist Church. He was drafted into the army on November 3, 1966 as an E-1 and rose in rank to an SP5 and spent one year in the war in Vietnam. He was awarded a National Defense Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Vietnam Service Medal with one Bronze Service Star, Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 device, Army commendation Medal, Bronze Star Medal and the Medal of Honor.

Rick was known for his quick wit, sense of humor, and generosity. He loved dogs and was preceded in death by his beloved, Cocoa.

Rick is survived by his wife, Penny Tefertiller, of Evanston, Wyoming; his daughters, Holly Barnes, husband Cal Barnes, grandson, Breckin Barnes and granddaughter, Brinley Barnes of Fort Bridger, Wyoming; Candy Tefertiller, Keith McBride and son, Torin McBride of Denver, Colorado.

The family wishes to give a special thanks to the George E. Whalen Veteran’s Home for the love and care they gave to Rick during the last few years of his life.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.

Celebration of life will be held at a later date.