Radio Host, Former State Senator Mel Richardson Passes Away

 

Idaho Falls, Idaho – Former state senator and long time radio show host Mel Richardson passed away at the age of 86 Thursday. He had been battling cancer. Richardson passed away in his home surrounded by his family.

Mel Richardson began his broadcast career in 1952 as a disc jockey.  In 1958 he expanded his field and entered television.  It was in sportscasting that he found his real love as he broadcast high school games for 34 years and was the voice of the Ricks College Vikings for 16 years, and recreated professional games with the Pioneer league.

Mel had been a highly acclaimed public speaker for over 50 years.  He had been a popular inspirational and motivational speaker for civic groups, high schools, churches, at graduation exercises, and political rallies.

Mel entered the public arena as mayor of Ammon, Idaho and later successfully ran for the State House of Representatives where he served for four years.  Mel then served another 16 years as an Idaho State Senator.  He retired from office in 2008 having received numerous awards and recognitions.

Mel stepped into talk radio in 1993 with his sons Mark, Lance, and Todd.  After Todd left the show to attend law school, Mel, Mark, and Lance joined Talk America and broadcast their show nationwide to 78 stations.  After nearly two years they decided to bring the show back home where they have been since.  Lance was forced to leave the show in 1997 due to illness which took his life in 2004. Mark continues to host the show “Probing America” on Newstalk 97.7 FM.