Richard B. Ekker

Torrey, Utah - Richard Benjamin Ekker, age 86, a “True Cowboy” died Saturday morning, November 19, 2005 while on a walk with his wife in Torrey of a heart attack. He was born July 15, 1919 in Hanksville, Utah, a son of Andrew and Ethel May Gibbons Ekker. He married Madge Hickman Taft, February 5, 1954 in Torrey. Richard enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing with his son and grandchildren. He was a true cowboy, punchin’ cows and riding horses on the Henry Mountains. He also worked in the timber on Boulder Mountain for many years. Richard is survived by his wife of Torrey; son: Bill and Linda Taft of Taylorsville; 4 grandchildren: Michelle and Kyle Mansfield of LaPoint, Utah; Deborah and Mark Powell of West Jordan, Utah; Scott and Jill Taft of Idaho Falls, Idaho; Robert and Christy Taft of Stansbury Park, Utah; 17 great-grandchildren: Kylie, Landon, Casey Powell; Majen, Ceidra, Jath Mansfield; Alex, Taryn, Rylie, Parker, Pacie, Haley, Peyton, Saylor Taft; Brandon, Dallon, Keegan McDonald. He was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, William Richard Taft; two brothers: Laurence Ekker and Alvin Gene Ekker. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, November 23, 2005 at 11:00 A.M. in the Torrey LDS Ward Chapel, where friends may call for viewing Wednesday morning from 9:00 to 10:30 prior to the services. Burial will be Wednesday afternoon at 3:00 P.M. in the Hanksville Cemetery under the direction of the Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield, Salina and Gunnison, Utah.