NEWTON — Richard Lynn Charles, 79, died Feb. 5, 2024, at his daughter’s home in Newton, Kan. He was born May 18, 1944, in Hoisington, Kan., the son of Cecil C. and Geraldine J. (Whitlow) Charles. Richard graduated from Hoisington High School and then attended Fort Hays State College majoring in botany and wildlife management. Richard enlisted with the Army National Guard in the 995th Maintenance Company out of Barton County and later served his country in the Vietnam Conflict from 1968 to 1969 with the 26th Infantry Division of the United States Army.
Richard farmed the family farm near Beaver, Kan. for many years while also working as a conductor for the railroad. He worked on the Rio Grande Management and the Missouri Pacific and later retired with the Union Pacific Railroad in 2002.
A resident of Lindsborg since 2013 moving from Great Bend, Richard was an outdoor enthusiast. He loved spending time outdoors watching wildlife and even helping raise wild birds. Although he was most passionate about watching his grandkids in their school events and sports games and never missed an opportunity to cheer them on.
On May 28, 1983, he married Marilyn Kay Funk in Great Bend, Kan. They later divorced but remained good friends until her passing on Oct. 2, 2022.
He leaves behind a daughter, Cassie Koehn and husband Dustin of Newton; a sister, Sandra Kae Stout of Battle Creek, Mich.; and six grandchildren, Cade, Matthew, Tyler, Kylie, Lakyn, and Kinzie.; and his loyal dog, Jake. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, JoAnn Fraser.
Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday, with family to greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m., at the funeral home. Funeral service will be 1 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024, at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Hoisington, Kan. Memorials may be made to Richard Charles Memorial Fund, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544. Notices may viewed and condolences sent at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home
P.O. Box 146
Hoisington, KS 67544
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Feb. 8, 2024
