Coach Shane Richardson

Coach Shane Richardson, age 45, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, passed away on January 31, 2025. Born on July 30, 1979, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, Shane was a beloved figure in his community and made a lasting impact through his dedication to coaching and mentoring young athletes.

Shane graduated from Sallisaw High School in 1998 before furthering his education at Carl Albert State College and Northeastern State University, where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Social Studies and Education. His passion for sports led him to coach at Sallisaw, but it was at Sequoyah-Tahlequah where he truly left his mark, serving as an assistant football coach for nine years and then as Head Football Coach for seven years. Shane's leadership was instrumental during the 2017 season when his team achieved a remarkable record of 10-3, advancing to the quarterfinals. This outstanding achievement earned him the title of Coach of the Year from the Muskogee Phoenix. In addition to football, Shane also coached golf and fishing, and he proudly led the Power-Lifting Team to a state championship in 2016.

Beyond his professional commitments, Shane cherished the moments spent fishing and visiting casinos. He created treasured memories with his girlfriend, Amy Young, including an unforgettable trip to Iowa for a Hawkeye football game and the Children's Hospital Salute, as well as attending a St. Louis Cardinals baseball game where they had the opportunity to visit pitcher, Ryan Helsley.

Shane is survived by his girlfriend, Amy Young of Broken Arrow, OK; his parents, Vicky and Billy Richardson of Sallisaw, OK; three sisters, Tiffany Turner and Michael of Muldrow, OK, Amy Callahan and Brent of Sallisaw, OK, and Amber Spencer and Steven of Sallisaw, OK; two brothers, Brandon Richardson and his girlfriend, Kelli Sizemore, of Sallisaw, OK, and Matthew Richardson of Sallisaw, OK; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

A funeral service to honor Coach Shane Richardson will be held on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Calvary Temple Church in Sallisaw, Oklahoma. Following the service, he will be laid to rest at Akins Cemetery in Sallisaw, Oklahoma, under the direction of Agent Mallory Martin Funeral Service, Inc.

Active Pallbearers will be Trevor Philpot, Caleb Philpot, Zeke Callahan, Judd Callahan, Brent Callahan, Michael Turner and Steven Spencer. 

Honorary Pallbearers will be Landon Crutchfield and Ivan Spencer.

Viewing will be Noon - 8 PM Tuesday at Agent Mallory Martin Funeral Home in Sallisaw, OK where the family will greet 6 - 8 PM. 

Shane's legacy will continue through the countless lives he touched, inspiring those around him to strive for excellence both on and off the field. His passionate spirit, commitment to his students, and love for his family and friends will forever be remembered.