Richard Lee Smerchek

Richard Lee Smerchek “Smurf” “Dick” passed away September 13, 2026, at Osage Nursing Center in Osage City.

He was born May 24, 1953, in Topeka, Kansas, to Jess and Margaret (Mercer) Smerchek. He graduated from Santa Fe Trail High School in 1971.

Richard worked in the construction industry with Conroy Construction, Schreiners, Burlingame Construction and Kan Build. He also worked at Grant Township, delivered propane for a local company and worked at Helstrom House Moving. He assisted many area farmers, including Keith Shaw and the Meyers family, and took pride in raising his own hogs.

He married Janice Rhoads on May 21, 1982, in Burlingame, KS. Janice preceded him in death on July 15, 2025.

Richard is survived by his daughter, Maria (Michael) Dressman of Carbondale, KS; his son, Jonathan (Silvia) Evans of Broken Arrow, OK; two half-sisters, Donna Peoples and Dora Lee Bourquin of Topeka, KS; and a half-brother, Dale Vawter of Carbondale, KS. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Elizabeth and Marianne Dressman, and Wyatt, Thomas, Isabella, Gabriella and Sophia Evans.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Janice; his sister, Frances Ann Vawter; and his brother-in-law, Harry Peoples.

A graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at the patio at Burlingame Cemetery, Burlingame, KS.

Memorial contributions may be made to Gentiva Hospice and sent in care of VanArsdale Funeral Chapel, 107 N. Sixth, Osage City, Kansas 66523.