Richard (Rich) Lloyd Regier, 95, of North Newton died Sunday (Nov. 28, 2010) at Kidron Bethel from complications following a fall.
Richard was born March 9, 1915, in Moundridge. His parents were Emma and P.F. Regier of the Moundridge / Burrton / Halstead area. Richard's early years were in Moundridge, where he was active in music and sports. He was married to Vera Warkentin until her death in 1996. He enjoyed telling stories of escapades as a lad; these often included a roadster, a truck or other vehicle.
Before he was married, he worked as a truck driver, making deliveries to numerous cities: Chicago, Denver and Kansas City. He told of the Big Band music he was able to enjoy during these trips. He farmed for many years and eventually became a maintenance engineer at the Halstead Hospital until retirement. His knowledge could have assisted the How Stuff Works website, as he seemed to have an exceptional ability to know the workings of and how to fix almost anything mechanical. In his later years, he became quite the creative chef, including mastering the art of making zwiebach.
Richard is survived by two sons and a daughter. John lives in Lecompton with his wife, Diane, and their daughter, Lydia; Barton lives in rural Burrton with his wife, Maeanna. Their children are Larry Finley (Emporia), Joe and John Regier (Newton), Josh Finley (rural Burrton), Christa Jahay (Moundridge) and Kevin Finley (Hesston). Susan Moody lives in Ojai, Calif., with her husband, Jim. Their son Jim lives in Upper Ojai and William in Woodbury, Tenn. He was great-grandfather of 12. He was predeceased by sister Eleanor Stalsworth of Independence, Mo.
Friends may call from 2 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Kaufman Funeral Home in Halstead, with the family present from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Committal service will be at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday at Halstead Cemetery. A memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. at First Mennonite Church in Halstead, with Pastor Cleo Koop officiating. Memorial donations may be made to Harvey County Homeless Shelter in care of Kaufman Funeral Home in Halstead.
1915 - 2010 (95 years)