Obituary of Richard Alan Waddell

Richard Alan Waddell, 72, of Fairmont passed away on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at his home, surrounded by those who loved him. Richard was born in Fairmont on June 22, 1952, a son of the late Joseph Edward Waddell and Mary Cumberledge Waddell. He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Karen Sue Singleton Waddell. Richard was a member of the Viola Church of Fairmont, and a former member of West Farmington United Methodist Church in Farmington where he taught Sunday School for many years until its closing. He was a 1970 graduate of Fairmont Senior High School, and a long-time resident of Farmington, prior to moving to Fairmont. Richard began his work experience at Fairmont General Hospital before transitioning to his over 30-year career with WVU Hospitals in the Environmental Services Department. Richard was an entrepreneur having created both Waddell Cleaning Services where he did residential housekeeping in the Fairmont area, and “Rock-N-Rick” Disc Jockey services where he provided birthday, graduation, and wedding receptions for over 37 years of great music. Richard and his wife belonged to the G.W.R.R.A. Goldwing Biking Club for many years and enjoyed traveling thousands of miles on biking trips. He was an amazing dancer, and an excellent roller skater. Rick loved to fish and go camping in Franklin and Romney, as well as Amish Country. He enjoyed sitting on his back porch with a cup of coffee and listening to the birds. Rick had an insatiable appetite and enjoyed eating at many local restaurants. In addition to his wife, Richard is survived by his three sons, Richard Alan Waddell, Jr. and his wife Erin of Fairmont, Erric Waddell and his wife Shaina of Farmington, and Justin Joseph Waddell and his wife Stefanie of Fairmont; grandchildren, Kristine Frances-Marie Waddell, Austin Waddell, Colin Waddell, Easton Waddell, and Richard Alan Waddell III; sister, Mary Jo Lang and her husband Rodney of Craigsville; step-mother, Carolyn Waddell of Philippi; close cousin, Mike Singleton; sister-in-law, Barbara Rinehart and her husband Shawn; brother-in-law, Jeffrey Singleton and his wife Rebecca; as well as several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by a sister, Carolyn Lloyd. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to either the Viola Church, 77 State Park Road, Fairmont, WV 26554, American Cancer Society, 3508 Staunton Avenue SE, Charleston, WV 25314, or Chestnut Mountain Ranch, 244 Ponderosa Ponds Road, Morgantown, WV 26508. The family has entrusted the arrangements to Ford Funeral Home, 201 Columbia Street Fairmont. Friends and family may visit the funeral home on Thursday, January 23, 2025 from 11AM until 4PM. The funeral will be held in the funeral home at 4PM with Pastor Scott Krepps officiating. Cremation services will be held following the funeral. Online condolences may be made to www.fordfuneralhomes.com.