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Richard Eugene Lady

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Richard Eugene Lady

Birth
Wellsville, Franklin County, Kansas, USA
Death
16 Jul 2023 (aged 81)
Independence, Jackson County, Missouri, USA
Burial
Burden, Cowley County, Kansas, USA Add to Map
Memorial ID
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Richard Eugene Lady, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away at his home in Independence, Missouri, on July 16, 2023. He was 81 years old. Richard courageously battled cancer for an extended period, demonstrating his unwavering strength and determination throughout his journey.

Richard was born on July 31, 1941, in Wellsville, Kansas, to Roland Eugene and Vada Mae (Phillips) Lady. He grew up in Burden, Kansas, where he met his future wife and lifelong partner, Kathlyn "Kathy" Lee Davis, the daughter of Gilbert F. and Mildred (Crowley) Davis. Their love story began at the tender age of 10, and they attended school together, forming a bond that would last a lifetime.

During his formative years, Richard was actively involved in various pursuits. He displayed his athletic abilities through his participation in baseball, basketball, football, and his rhythmic talents as a drummer in the school band. In 1959 Richard and Kathy both graduated from Burden High School. Continuing his educational journey, Richard enrolled at Wichita Tech alongside his friend, Ronald Jordan. They shared a passion for building and flying model airplanes, a hobby that brought them great joy.

Upon graduating from Wichita Tech in 1960, Richard embarked on a successful career with AT&T. It was during this time that he exchanged vows with Kathy on May 7, 1961, at the Methodist Church in Burden, Kansas. Their marriage flourished for over six decades, and in 2023 they joyfully celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary.

Richard's professional path led him to various locations, starting with the AT&T tower in Hardy, Oklahoma. In 1963 he and Kathy settled in Arkansas City, Kansas, and eventually built a beautiful home there east of town. While in Arkansas City, Richard's community involvement extended to the CB Club, where he used his expertise to work on CB radios, and he served as a dedicated storm spotter. With his family by his side, Richard eagerly loaded everyone into the car to await approaching storms and used the opportunity to create countless memorable moments with his family filled with excitement, laughter, big bags of popcorn, and refreshing drinks (he preferred Pepsi).

The blessings of Richard and Kathy's union were three children: Lori (Lady) Arnold, Roger Lady and Randy Lady. They brought immeasurable joy and pride to Richard's life. He taught many life lessons to his children and grandchildren. For example, when he and Randy were mowing the yard for an elderly woman, Randy was trying to get Richard to hurry up and get the lawn work done. As usual, something caught Richard's eye that needed to be fixed. Richard told Randy, "There are times when you just need to fix what needs to be fixed." This was Richard's philosophy for life. He often saw something that he could do to help one of his children or a neighbor and took it upon himself to just take care of it for them.

In 1971 AT&T presented Richard with a promotion that led him to the Kansas City, Missouri, office. The family relocated to Independence, Missouri, where they established their home. Richard dedicated 29 years of his career to AT&T, retiring in December 1989. However, retirement did not mark the end of his professional journey. Richard continued to contribute his talents to MetroTech, Ranch Mart TV, Fluor Daniels alongside his dear family friend, Robert Phillips, and Plastic Enterprises with his son-in-law, Jack Arnold, in Lee's Summit, Missouri. His unwavering work ethic and commitment made a lasting impact in each role he undertook. Richard finally retired from Plastic Enterprises, having left a remarkable legacy.

Richard possessed an adventurous spirit that led him to obtain his pilot's license. He delighted in flying his family over Kansas City, granting them a breathtaking view of the Plaza's Christmas lights. Years later, his son Randy and daughter-in-law Tonya gifted him a helicopter flight experience, where he had the extraordinary opportunity to take the controls and not only fly but land the helicopter himself.

Throughout his life, Richard nurtured many hobbies and interests. While at AT&T, Richard was an avid participant in AT&T's slow-pitch softball team, where he showcased his skills as a pitcher. Richard also had a passion for the outdoors. Annual quail and pheasant hunting to Burden, Kansas, and Smith Center, Kansas, where they hunted on properties owned by Richard's sister and brother-in-law, Judy and John Lawson, and his niece and her husband, Ladonna and Mike Weltmer, respectively brought him closer to his loved ones. Fishing and camping expeditions to Truman Lake, Pomme De Terre Lake, and Stockton Lake in Missouri were also treasured family traditions that Richard eagerly led. Richard especially enjoyed his visits to Stockton Lake because he was also able to visit his sister Sandra "Sandy" and her husband Dennis "Denny" Gurnee while wetting a line. Richard also looked forward to his annual fishing trip to Toledo Bend Lake in Louisiana with his sons, Roger and Randy, son-in-law, Jack, and friends from AT&T. When Richard wasn't fishing during the spring or summer months, he was dedicating himself to gardening and proudly cultivating a bountiful harvest. One year, his green thumb produced sweet potatoes the size of footballs.

Richard's love for sports extended to helping coach his sons' baseball and basketball teams, as well as his grandson John Arnold's baseball team. As his grandchildren grew older, Richard became their most loyal supporter, attending their games, recitals, and competitions with unwavering pride. Whether it was baseball, basketball, football, soccer, dance recitals, or Color Guard competitions, Richard's presence was a constant source of love and encouragement. He also loved to watch and cheer on KU, the Kansas City Royals and the Kansas City Chiefs.

Richard will forever be remembered and dearly missed by his beloved wife, Kathy; his daughter, Lori Ann (Lady) and her husband Jack Arnold; his sons, Roger and his wife Terry (Kuzniakowski) Lady, and Randy and his wife Tonya (Mosley) Lady. He leaves behind a legacy of love through his six grandchildren: Jack Arnold (Mandy), John Arnold (Taylor), Chaz Lady, Alexandra Lady (Austin Mathews), Cheyanne Craig (Andrew), and Zane Lady (Samantha Menzies). Richard's spirit also lives on in his five great-grandchildren: Breck Green, Charlotte Arnold, Savannah Arnold, Caroline Arnold, and Paisley Arnold.

Richard's memory will be cherished by his sisters, Judy Lawson (John) and Sandy Gurnee (Denny), along with sisters-in-law, Ann Lady and Carolyn (Harold "Rip") Daniels. He also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Roland "Rod" and Vada Lady; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Gilbert F. and Mildred Davis; his brother, James "Jim" Lady; his granddaughter, Becky Arnold; his grandparents, George and Mary Lady, and Jefferson and Vada Phillips; and his sister-in-law, Marolyn Lytle.

Richard Eugene Lady's unwavering love, boundless generosity, and zest for life will forever resonate in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. He touched countless lives, leaving an indelible impact that will be remembered for generations to come. As we mourn his loss, let us also celebrate the remarkable life he led and the legacy of love he leaves behind.

The family would also like to extend a special thank you to all his doctors and nurses, Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute, and Phoenix Home Care and Hospice for the loving care and support they provided Richard during his battle.

Graveside memorial services will be held on Saturday, July 22, 2023, at 2:00 P.M. at the Burden Cemetery, under the direction of Miles Funeral Service.
Richard Eugene Lady, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away at his home in Independence, Missouri, on July 16, 2023. He was 81 years old. Richard courageously battled cancer for an extended period, demonstrating his unwavering strength and determination throughout his journey.

Richard was born on July 31, 1941, in Wellsville, Kansas, to Roland Eugene and Vada Mae (Phillips) Lady. He grew up in Burden, Kansas, where he met his future wife and lifelong partner, Kathlyn "Kathy" Lee Davis, the daughter of Gilbert F. and Mildred (Crowley) Davis. Their love story began at the tender age of 10, and they attended school together, forming a bond that would last a lifetime.

During his formative years, Richard was actively involved in various pursuits. He displayed his athletic abilities through his participation in baseball, basketball, football, and his rhythmic talents as a drummer in the school band. In 1959 Richard and Kathy both graduated from Burden High School. Continuing his educational journey, Richard enrolled at Wichita Tech alongside his friend, Ronald Jordan. They shared a passion for building and flying model airplanes, a hobby that brought them great joy.

Upon graduating from Wichita Tech in 1960, Richard embarked on a successful career with AT&T. It was during this time that he exchanged vows with Kathy on May 7, 1961, at the Methodist Church in Burden, Kansas. Their marriage flourished for over six decades, and in 2023 they joyfully celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary.

Richard's professional path led him to various locations, starting with the AT&T tower in Hardy, Oklahoma. In 1963 he and Kathy settled in Arkansas City, Kansas, and eventually built a beautiful home there east of town. While in Arkansas City, Richard's community involvement extended to the CB Club, where he used his expertise to work on CB radios, and he served as a dedicated storm spotter. With his family by his side, Richard eagerly loaded everyone into the car to await approaching storms and used the opportunity to create countless memorable moments with his family filled with excitement, laughter, big bags of popcorn, and refreshing drinks (he preferred Pepsi).

The blessings of Richard and Kathy's union were three children: Lori (Lady) Arnold, Roger Lady and Randy Lady. They brought immeasurable joy and pride to Richard's life. He taught many life lessons to his children and grandchildren. For example, when he and Randy were mowing the yard for an elderly woman, Randy was trying to get Richard to hurry up and get the lawn work done. As usual, something caught Richard's eye that needed to be fixed. Richard told Randy, "There are times when you just need to fix what needs to be fixed." This was Richard's philosophy for life. He often saw something that he could do to help one of his children or a neighbor and took it upon himself to just take care of it for them.

In 1971 AT&T presented Richard with a promotion that led him to the Kansas City, Missouri, office. The family relocated to Independence, Missouri, where they established their home. Richard dedicated 29 years of his career to AT&T, retiring in December 1989. However, retirement did not mark the end of his professional journey. Richard continued to contribute his talents to MetroTech, Ranch Mart TV, Fluor Daniels alongside his dear family friend, Robert Phillips, and Plastic Enterprises with his son-in-law, Jack Arnold, in Lee's Summit, Missouri. His unwavering work ethic and commitment made a lasting impact in each role he undertook. Richard finally retired from Plastic Enterprises, having left a remarkable legacy.

Richard possessed an adventurous spirit that led him to obtain his pilot's license. He delighted in flying his family over Kansas City, granting them a breathtaking view of the Plaza's Christmas lights. Years later, his son Randy and daughter-in-law Tonya gifted him a helicopter flight experience, where he had the extraordinary opportunity to take the controls and not only fly but land the helicopter himself.

Throughout his life, Richard nurtured many hobbies and interests. While at AT&T, Richard was an avid participant in AT&T's slow-pitch softball team, where he showcased his skills as a pitcher. Richard also had a passion for the outdoors. Annual quail and pheasant hunting to Burden, Kansas, and Smith Center, Kansas, where they hunted on properties owned by Richard's sister and brother-in-law, Judy and John Lawson, and his niece and her husband, Ladonna and Mike Weltmer, respectively brought him closer to his loved ones. Fishing and camping expeditions to Truman Lake, Pomme De Terre Lake, and Stockton Lake in Missouri were also treasured family traditions that Richard eagerly led. Richard especially enjoyed his visits to Stockton Lake because he was also able to visit his sister Sandra "Sandy" and her husband Dennis "Denny" Gurnee while wetting a line. Richard also looked forward to his annual fishing trip to Toledo Bend Lake in Louisiana with his sons, Roger and Randy, son-in-law, Jack, and friends from AT&T. When Richard wasn't fishing during the spring or summer months, he was dedicating himself to gardening and proudly cultivating a bountiful harvest. One year, his green thumb produced sweet potatoes the size of footballs.

Richard's love for sports extended to helping coach his sons' baseball and basketball teams, as well as his grandson John Arnold's baseball team. As his grandchildren grew older, Richard became their most loyal supporter, attending their games, recitals, and competitions with unwavering pride. Whether it was baseball, basketball, football, soccer, dance recitals, or Color Guard competitions, Richard's presence was a constant source of love and encouragement. He also loved to watch and cheer on KU, the Kansas City Royals and the Kansas City Chiefs.

Richard will forever be remembered and dearly missed by his beloved wife, Kathy; his daughter, Lori Ann (Lady) and her husband Jack Arnold; his sons, Roger and his wife Terry (Kuzniakowski) Lady, and Randy and his wife Tonya (Mosley) Lady. He leaves behind a legacy of love through his six grandchildren: Jack Arnold (Mandy), John Arnold (Taylor), Chaz Lady, Alexandra Lady (Austin Mathews), Cheyanne Craig (Andrew), and Zane Lady (Samantha Menzies). Richard's spirit also lives on in his five great-grandchildren: Breck Green, Charlotte Arnold, Savannah Arnold, Caroline Arnold, and Paisley Arnold.

Richard's memory will be cherished by his sisters, Judy Lawson (John) and Sandy Gurnee (Denny), along with sisters-in-law, Ann Lady and Carolyn (Harold "Rip") Daniels. He also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Roland "Rod" and Vada Lady; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Gilbert F. and Mildred Davis; his brother, James "Jim" Lady; his granddaughter, Becky Arnold; his grandparents, George and Mary Lady, and Jefferson and Vada Phillips; and his sister-in-law, Marolyn Lytle.

Richard Eugene Lady's unwavering love, boundless generosity, and zest for life will forever resonate in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. He touched countless lives, leaving an indelible impact that will be remembered for generations to come. As we mourn his loss, let us also celebrate the remarkable life he led and the legacy of love he leaves behind.

The family would also like to extend a special thank you to all his doctors and nurses, Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute, and Phoenix Home Care and Hospice for the loving care and support they provided Richard during his battle.

Graveside memorial services will be held on Saturday, July 22, 2023, at 2:00 P.M. at the Burden Cemetery, under the direction of Miles Funeral Service.


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