Richard Lee Lingenfelter

Richard Lee Lingenfelter, 74, passed away Friday, April 12, 2024, at the Osage Nursing Manor after suffering a fractured hip March 27, 2024.

Richard was born December 2, 1949, at Yates Center, Kansas, the son of Harold Leroy "Roy" and Ethel Pearl Baysinger Lingenfelter.

Richard attended grade schools in Gridley, KS, Whittier Grade school in Emporia, KS and Harmony Hill outside of Olpe, KS. He attended Olpe High School.

He married Deborah "Debbie" Smith on March 12, 1972, at the Federated Church in Burlingame, KS. They welcomed Lee, Jeremy, Misty, and Tracy into this wonderful family. They were blessed with amazing grandchildren, though one, Ryan Lane, left too soon. The others are growing up entirely too fast. Richard enjoyed their visits and instigated their shenanigans too many times to count. These grandchildren that meant so much are Wyatt and Dalton Lingenfelter, Matt, Mara, and Lorelei Lingenfelter, Kathleen Nicely, Bethany, Leo, Owen and Andrea DeDonder and Callie Lane; one great- grandchild, Blaze Lingenfelter.

Richard loved kids, cows, cars, guns and staying busy outdoors. The grandkids, the neighbor kids and visiting kids to the neighborhood knew where to go for a pop ice in the summertime. Bucket calves were a real passion, though it had slowed a bit in recent years. They all had names and they were all treated like part of the family. As the kids and grandkids got older gun shows were a big deal. Some loved it, some tolerated it but it was time he spent with them and time they spent with him. Mowing was also a bonding time. After all, mowing the lawn seems to make you happier.

Richard drove semi-trucks for J.D. Miller and L & M Hay and Grain, he worked for Emporia Livestock, Dolly Madison, Buttercrust Bread, and Porter Farms. He found his favorite occupation in the nuclear industry. Richard worked as a millwright, pipefitter, diesel mechanic, RCP pump mechanic, worked on split pins, was a crane operator, taught classes and did oversight. He was able to work in Japan, Spain, Sweden, Denmark, and numerous states making friends that ranged from farmers to ex-military, from rappers turned country to car gurus and people from all walks of life. He never stopped working. He never really retired. He loved fixing and doing and helping.

Richard will forever be remembered by his wife; his children, Lee (Jessica) Lingenfelter of Topeka, Jeremy (Carrie) Lingenfelter of Waverly, Misty (Kevin) DeDonder of Admire and Tracy (Dallas) Lane of Miller; a sister, Mary Jane Johnson of Cowpens, SC, and numerous nieces and nephews.

For visitation the family will receive friends Wednesday evening April 17, 2024, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the Miller United Methodist Church in Miller KS. Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, April 18, 2024, at the Miller United Methodist Church in Miller, KS. Burial will follow the service at the Burlingame KS Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to FHTC Foundation for Power Plant Technology scholarship or Miller Fire Department and sent in care of VanArsdale Funeral Chapel, 107 N. Sixth, Osage City KS 66523. Condolences may be expressed at Vanarsdalefs.com.