Richard Lee Millsapps

Richard Lee Millsapps was born on Saturday, February 10, 1945. He was born at home at 3000 S Wyandot, Englewood Colorado. He was the eighth child of Virgel Siddie Millsapps and Permelia Ellen Hanna Millsapps.

Richard attended College View Elementary and Sheridan High School in Sheridan, Colorado. In October 1965 he joined the United States Coast Guard. He attended basic training in San Francisco, California. After completion of basic training, he was stationed at the U.S. Coast Guard Base in Ketchikan, Alaska. During his tour of duty, he operated the 40-foot search and rescue boat. He also substituted on occasion at some of the nearby Light House Stations. When he was discharged, he had achieved the rank of Boatswain’s Mate Second Class.

On March 12, 1966, he married Paula Ann Gardiner in Englewood, Colorado. After their marriage, they lived in Ketchikan, Alaska until Richard was discharged from the Coast Guard. After his discharge, they returned home to Colorado. In July 1971, they moved into their newly purchased home in Lakewood.

Richard and Paula had three children. Niki was born in Ketchikan, Alaska. Rick and Shauna were born in Denver.

January 1970, Richard went to work for the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. He retired from there after 37 years of service in January 2007. During his 37 years, he worked in patrol, the jail, dispatch, investigation, evidence, and ended his career in the work release program. He completed many trainings during this time, including at the FBI Training Academy in Washington D.C.

His favorite activities are fishing, camping, hunting, hiking, bicycling, tinkering, family gatherings, and cruising, He went on 29 cruises to Eastern Caribbean, Western Caribbean, Southern Caribbean, Bahamas, Alaska, Hawaii, Mexican Riveria, and Panama Canal. He enjoyed cruising with his wife, his children, three of his grandchildren, his friends, and his sister, Shirley. His favorite was spending time with his grandchildren taking them to Tiny Town, Heritage Square, the Zoo, and many more. Rich could fix anything. He loved to try and make something he had seen. He always succeeded at his repairs and creations. He had a lot of common sense.

The thing he was most proud of was helping Diane Mott Davidson as a consultant on her culinary murder mystery books. He was fortunate to receive her call when she called the Sheriff’s Department looking for someone to help her “commit the perfect murder.” He was proud that his name appeared in the acknowledgements of all of her books.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents, Virgel and Ellen; his brothers, Clarence, Keith, and John; and sisters Hazel, Cleo, Sharon, and Shirley. He is survived by his wife, Paula; his sister, Helen; his three children, Niki, Rick (Barb), and Shauna (Tim); 6 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

Per Richard’s request, there will not be a funeral service. A memorial service will be held sometime this summer.

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