At 17 years of age, my dad (Fred Richardson) went to work for Marie Scott. Marie was the previous owner of what is now the Double RL Ranch. I remember Marie as a person who was tougher than a $4 steak and a genuinely good human being. She used to bring us kids storebought cookies from time to time. Dad worked for Marie off and on for many years.

I also remember dad working for Lester Lowery and Tude Domka. When dad worked for Lester, he was hauling coal. At that time, Lester’s daughter (Rayvonn...