Richard Burris

Richard Burris passed away peacefully at Allen County Regional Hospital in Iola on Saturday, June 23, 2018, at 89 years old. John Richard Burris was the oldest of 11 children, born to Mose and Anna (Swan) Burris. He was born on his great-grandmother’s homestead in Olpe on Oct. 1, 1928. He married Lois Jean Weseloh on Jan. 10, 1954, in Iola. They were were blessed with five children. Richard and Lois were always active as a family in church. Richard’s family was the most important aspect of his life as he and Lois focused on raising a Christian family. Upon his death he was a member of St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church in Iola. Richard was proud of the legacy he and Lois were able to build on the cornerstones of faith and family. He was immensely proud of his children and their families, and he was grateful for the joy they brought to his life.

Richard received a formal education through the ninth grade, and a PhD from life. His strong work ethic, honesty and courage enabled him to begin his 74-year career in the oil business at age 15. Richard’s resourcefulness fed his desire to create something from nothing, and he continued that throughout his life. Richard also enjoyed fishing with trips to Belize, Florida, Canada and Alaska. He also had annual elk hunting trips to Colorado and developed lifelong friends. In 1964 the family began a tradition of annual family vacations visiting most of the 50 states and creating lifelong memories.

Richard was a veteran of the Korean War, serving in South Korea near Pusan. He served in the U.S. Army, from Jan. 11, 1951, through Dec. 24, 1952, making it home to Iola in time for Christmas 1952.

Richard was preceded in death by his infant son, David Jonathan Burris, Dec. 21, 1956; his parents; three sisters, Jo Ann Folk, Betty Michael and Daisy Harris; and three brothers, Fred, Bob and Wes Burris.

In addition to his wife, Lois, Richard is survived by his children, Dick “Richard” Burris and wife Marsha E., Iola, Marsha M. Burris, Iola, Judy Lair and husband Greg, Piqua, Cindy Stafford and husband Greg, Carrollton, Mo., and Mark Burris and wife Deanne, Manhattan; 10 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren and two great-grandchildren on the way; two brothers and two sisters, Larry Burris, Rogers, Ark., Shirley Townsend, Overland Park, Jerry Burris and wife Sherry, Burlington, and Sharon White and husband Don, Burlington. He also has many nieces and nephews who enjoyed his cooking at family gatherings.

A celebration of Richard’s life will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, Iola. Private family graveside service will be held at Highland Cemetery, Iola. The family will greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Feuerborn Funeral Home, 1883 U.S. 54, Iola. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church or to the SCC Honor Flight. Condolences may be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.