3/20/1942 – 12/23/2023
Lawrence, KS
Funeral services for Richard Lee Walthall, 81, Lawrence, will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 6, 2024 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence KS. Burial will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery, 1605 Oak Hill Avenue, Lawrence, KS. The family will greet friends from 5 -7 p.m. on Friday, January 5, 2024 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary.
Richard passed away Saturday, December 23, 2023, at Pioneer Ridge Assisted Living. He was born on March 20, 1942 in Silver Lake, KS, the son of Carmen Lee and Emma Mae (Benge) Walthall.
Richard joined the Army National Guard in 1960, completing eight years of duty, including time in the ANG Reserves. He enjoyed recounting the time he had a conversation with President Eisenhower on a golf course, and didn’t always include the detail that it was actually just a quick salute and a proper “Yes sir!” while concealing the hole in his otherwise pristine white glove. Richard knew not to let facts get in the way of a good story.
Richard married his Silver Lake High School sweetheart, Janice Marie Marks, on July 28, 1962, in Rossville, KS. Richard and Janice’s enduring devotion spanned more than six remarkable decades. Their commitment to each other was a testament to the strength of their bond and depth of their love. They truly stuck together through thick and thin.
In the business community, Richard is fondly recalled for his exceptional generosity and willingness to extend a helping hand in any circumstance. Richard owned and operated Kansas Electric Construction from 1972 until he “retired” around 2012, receiving the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce Small Business Person of the Month award in April 1997, for his service to the community. A true family business, each of his children and grandsons got their start under his wing. It is not possible to go anywhere in town without someone pointing to a home or business and saying “I wired that.”
An avid bowler, Richard participated in several leagues, especially the Tuesday night Ivy League at Royal Crest Lanes, which he bowled in for many, many years with dear friends and family. He was a VERY competitive bowler and was not always graceful when his wife, daughters-in-law, or granddaughters occasionally bested him.
Richard had an adventurous spirit, and loved to travel. He spent countless hours on road trips toward parts unknown, and enjoyed flying his single engine Cessna. He traveled to numerous family vacations, reunions and events throughout the years. Richard was the consummate “Class President”, and regularly joined his high school classmates for monthly get togethers. He also enjoyed his weekly “top secret” coffee gatherings with close friends.
Following an impressive athletic career of his own, Richard became well known in the community as Coach Walthall for the American Legion Youth Baseball team. He took great pride in coaching many incredible athletes, including his own sons. Through the years, he remained dedicated to attending as many sporting events, music and arts programs as he could to support his beloved grandkids and great-grandkids.
Above all, Richard was most proud of his family and happiest when he was surrounded by them. Family was everything to Richard, and he leaves behind an extraordinary legacy, a testament to the profound impact he had on those he cherished and the indelible mark he left on the hearts of his loved ones. He is survived by his wife, Janice of the home; his three sons, Barry (Bobbie) Walthall, Lawrence, Brad (Valerie) Walthall, Kansas City, Brian (Camille Grimes) Walthall, Olathe; his daughter, Bridgett (Aaron Miller) Walthall, Lawrence; his brothers, John (Linda) Walthall, Lawrence, James “Lawrence” (Cheryl) Walthall, Joplin; nine grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, and his sisters Anna Mae (Don) Viergever and Judy Walthall.
Memorial contributions may be made in Richard’s name to the Cancer Research Gift Fund at the University of Kansas Cancer Center and may be made online at www.kuendowment.org/walthall or sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
For more information or to post a condolence go to warrenmcelwain.com.
Note: We are offering Lawrence and Douglas County community members space to publish remembrances of loved ones who lived in this community, free of charge. These pieces are submitted by family and friends of the deceased and not written by our staff.
We are glad to be able to offer this service free to community members in mourning. We believe the last thing our neighbors need in those difficult moments is another financial matter to worry about. Please consider a paid subscription to the Times to help us continue providing this service and news access for all.
To submit an obituary to The Lawrence Times, please fill out the form at this link. We’re sorry, but we cannot accept obituary submissions via email or other means.
If you are interested in sponsoring obituaries on our site through advertising, please email us at ads (at) lawrencekstimes (dot) com.
Read other obituaries here.
