Raymond Dean Richard, age 84, passed away peacefully on February 6, 2024, at Community Memorial Hospital, Marysville. Dean was born in Concordia, Kansas, to Frances (Snyder) Richard and Raymond Richard on June 22, 1939.
After attending Concordia public schools, Dean joined the United States Navy where he served as a radio operator on various Navy cruisers and could still tap out Morse Code well beyond his years of service. While in the Navy, he was stationed in San Diego, Japan and Guam. In 1957, Dean married Barbara Drury and the couple had two children, Jade and Scott.
Following Dean’s time in the Navy, he went to work for Boogaarts, first in the warehouse and then as a meat cutter in Concordia, Lindsborg and WaKeeney. In 1965 Dean moved to Marysville to become the meat manager at Boogaarts where he remained a well-known staple for 40 years until his retirement in 2001. After retirement, he continued to fill in for various grocery stores as a meat cutter, including Dank’s grocery store. He also trained several people entering the profession.
In 1985, Dean married Frances Black and gained two more sons, Bill, wife Sandy, Bob, and a daughter, Sandra along with four grandchildren, Stephanie, Ben, Kim and Ashley.
Dean was an active and beloved member of the Marysville Methodist Church. He was also a member of the American Legion and a dedicated volunteer at the local food pantry. He was an avid golfer who belonged to the Cedar Hills Golf Course in Washington, Kansas. He also enjoyed camping, woodworking and spending time with friends and family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was a caring man with a quick wit who always appreciated a good bakery and ice cream.
Dean’s survivors include: his wife, Frances, of the home; Jade (Ron) Peters, Lenexa; Scott Richard, Marysville; Bill (Sandy) Griffis, Centennial, CO; Bob (Kathy) Griffis, Manhattan; Sandra Black, Marysville; Grandchildren, Stephanie (Gavin) Riches, Kimberly Griffis and Aaron Epp, Ashley (Chase) Wheeler, Benjamin Griffis and Julia Hofman. Great-grandchildren, Fiona and Rozlyn Wheeler, Tegan and Will Riches, Renee Griffis. Adopted grandchildren, James, Lizzie and Bella Bussmann and Reed McMahon, nephew Jim George, niece Dorothy Johnston (Mike Smith), and many good friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Shirley George, and nephew, Ed George.
Visitation will be from 9:30 until 10:15 am, Thursday, February 15, 2024, at the Marysville Methodist Church.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 am, Thursday, February 15, 2024, at the Marysville Methodist Church with Pastor Insung Kim officiating. Gail Gilkerson will be the musician. Pat Breeding will sing “How Great Thou Art” and Ashley Wheeler will sing “Grandpa”. Honorary Bearers are Stephanie and Gavin Riches, Kim Griffis, Aaron Epp, Ashley and Chase Wheeler, Benjamin Griffis and Julia Hofman. Inurnment will follow the service at the Marysville City Cemetery. Military Honors provided by SMN&R Post 163 of the American Legion in Marysville and an Honors Detail from the US Navy.
Memorials are suggested to the Marysville Methodist Church and may be sent in care of Christie-Anderes Funeral Home at PO Box 61, Waterville, Kansas 66548.
Christie-Anderes Funeral Home, Waterville, in charge of arrangements.
