Richard Wardell Atwood

Richard Wardell Atwood, 80, of Waddell, Arizona, passed away on August 11, 2026. Born on September 13, 1945, Richard moved through life with a steady kind of courage—quietly adventurous, deeply faithful, and grounded in an honesty that never needed to announce itself. Those who knew him best will remember not only what he did, but the gentle, patient way he did it, and the warmth and humor he carried with him even in hard seasons.

From an early age, Richard’s energy and determination showed themselves in motion—running cross-country, ice skating, and beginning at the police academy as a young man. These early chapters hinted at the resilient spirit that would shape the rest of his life: a man willing to learn, to endure, and to show up with consistency and heart.

Richard served his community and his calling through meaningful work, including emergency flights through civil air control with Gospel Wings. He was also part of the Phoenix Police Department as a policeman before becoming a detective for 26 years. In every role, he was known for being hard-working and dependable—someone others could trust, someone who carried responsibility with wisdom and care.

Richard married Sharon Lee Atwood, and together they built a life centered on love and devotion. He was the proud father of a son, Richard Atwood, and two daughters, Dawn Atwood and Amanda Atwood. As life continued, Richard became a grandfather three times over, offering love and warm to his grandchildren Rylee Head, Gavinn Head, and Landon Atwood. He is also remembered with love alongside his uncle, Nelson Atwood. Richard worked hard to provide for his family, but it was clear to those closest to him that time with them was what he treasured most—especially the simple, meaningful hours spent together.

An outdoorsman at heart, Richard found joy in hiking, camping, and fishing, and he loved taking his family camping on weekends, sharing with them the peace and wonder he found outside. His curiosity and appreciation for the past also drew him to Arizona's Rough Riders reenactment group, and he shared his passion for history by building muzzleloaders—work that reflected both patience and skill, and the quiet satisfaction of doing something well with his own hands.

Richard’s faith was not only something he believed, but something he lived. He volunteered in many ways at his church, offering his voice to the choir and driving the church's bus when needed. In these acts— unassuming, and generous—his compassionate nature shone through, and so did the gentle strength that made people feel safe in his presence.

Richard was many things to those he loved and to those in his community: kind, steadfast, and heavily devoted. He leaves behind a legacy of steadiness, kindness, evidence of hard work, his love for the outdoors, and his family. Even as life asked more of him, he met it with resilience, patience, and a quiet grace that will not be forgotten.

The family would like to thank the Lewy Body Disease Research Program and the Mayo Habit Program for their help and assistance during Richard's diagnosis.

“Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles. They will run and not get tired. They will talk and not become weary.” — Isaiah 40:31

It will be okay to get to Heaven first.