Richard Earl Wyett's Obituary
Richard Earl Wyett
Sunrise: February 28, 1942
Sunset: March 8, 2026
Richard Earl Wyett, 84, of Reno Nevada passed away peacefully in Palo Alto, California on March 8, 2026, following a courageous battle with cancer. Richard was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, friend and mentor. His strength, steady wisdom and generous heart touched everyone who knew him. He will be deeply missed.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Atlantis Hotel Casino in Reno, Nevada on April 21, 2026 at 11:00 a.m
Richard was born on February 28, 1942, in Independence, Louisiana to Mildred Wyre and Theodis Ware. From the very beginning, Richard’s life was shaped by the love and guidance of a close-knit family. He was raised from infancy by his maternal grandparents, Levy and Mandy Wyre in Kentwood, Louisiana, who instilled in him the values of faith, discipline, and compassion. Following the death of his grandparents, Richard moved to Detroit, Michigan, later returning to New Orleans, Louisiana to live with his mother Mildred, his younger siblings and near his beloved aunts Elizabeth, Evelyn, and their families.
In 1960, he arrived in Reno, a young man just out of high school, looking for an opportunity to succeed on his own. Richard worked a variety of jobs, while playing music after hours in local clubs. In 1964, he was drafted and served in the U.S. Army. After his discharge from the military, Richard began his career as a security officer for Harold’s Club Casino in Reno, Nevada, which led to his becoming an Auxiliary Reno Police Officer with the Reno Police Department working at Park Lane Mall. This experience fueled his desire to serve and become a law enforcement officer which would prove a real test for a young Black man during the late 1960-70s in Nevada.
Richard served as a Nevada highway patrol officer, a state parole and probation officer, a parole commissioner and from 1993 until his retirement in 1998 as the Chief Adult Parole and Probation Officer for the State of Nevada. In summary, Richard’s professional career in the criminal justice system spanned more than a quarter of a century.
As Chief Probation Officer, Richard built alliances with various agencies to enhance public safety. His career in law enforcement was not solely restricted to the state of Nevada. Richard was active in the American Parole and Probation Association, the National Institute of Corrections Executives Network, and was a board member of the National Association of Probation Executives. In 2000, Governor Kenny Guinn asked him to return to state service as the Chairman of the Nevada Board of Parole Commissioners.
In his retirement, Richard devoted his time to supporting critically ill children through the Make a Wish Foundation of Northern Nevada as a board member and president. He was a proud member and later president of the Sierra Nevada Region Porsche Club. He brought his enthusiasm and energy to showing and competing in concours with his Porsches, travelling the west coast to show his Porsches while bringing more social and driving events to the region for members to enjoy.
He loved hosting backyard BBQs. His summer barbeques became the event many of his friends set their summer calendars by. Family and friends always enjoyed delicious southern barbecue at his parties while creating memories and stories to share.
Richard also found serenity among the flowers and greenery in his backyard. Whether planting or nurturing what was already growing, he was happiest with his hands in the dirt or tending to his koi pond.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Richard was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. His happiest moments were those spent surrounded by the laughter, energy and love of his wife, grandchildren and family.
Richard is survived by his wife, Cindy, children, Melanie (Deon), Sean (Mindy), Richard Jr. and Kristine and eight grandchildren, Jasmine, Deon Jr., Hunter, Isaac, Kennedy, Elijah, Isabella and Rakim, his aunts Elizabeth and Evelyn and a brother Leo. He was preceded in death by his mother Mildred, brother Edwin and sister Elaine.
Richard Wyett lived a life defined by strength, service, humility, and love. His memory will remain forever in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
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