Richard Claassen
1928 - 2016
Obituary
Richard A. "Rich" Claassen 87, lifelong Newton
resident passed away Jan. 1, 2016 at Newton Presbyterian Manor.
He was born June 7, 1928 in Newton, Kansas to Leonard and
Helen (Albrecht) Claassen. He was a 1946 graduate of Newton High School.
Following his graduation he joined his father and brother Roland in the forming
of Claassen Oil Company later becoming the Phillips 66 distributors in the
area. In 1948 Rich and his family started Claassen Lumber in Newton, where he
retired in 2011. In September 1952, he married Diane Darling and she survives
of the home.
Following his marriage, Rich moved his church membership
from First Mennonite Church to First Baptist Church in Newton, where he
remained an active member for many years. Rich enjoyed life, family and
friends. He was an avid golfer, even though lowering his handicap was never a
top priority. He was also involved in delivering meals on wheels in Newton for
many years. His interest in his two pasture lands continued into his later
years. He enjoyed going there "fix fence." It was easier to get ahold
of Rich at Druber's donuts or the local coffee shop than in was to catch him at
home. Rich was a little league baseball coach during his boys growing up years
and he was also an assistant cub and boy scout leader and served in the
National Guard.
Rich is survived by his wife of 63 years, Diane, of the
home; three children: Steve of Newton, Brian and his wife Danetta of Wichita
and Shelley and her husband Larry Wall, also of Wichita. One brother Roland
Claassen of Newton and two nephews Darrel and Dan Claassen.
A celebration of Rich's life will be 11 a.m. Thursday (Jan.
7, 2015) at First Baptist Church Newton with Pastor Chip Bungard presiding. The
family will receive friends in the fellowship hall of First Baptist Church
following the memorial service. Graveside committal service will be prior to
the memorial at 10 a.m. Thursday in Greenwood Cemetery of Newton. Visitation
will be 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday evening at Petersen Funeral Home. Family
will receive friends from 6 to 7 p.m.
Memorials are suggested to First Baptist Church, Kansas
Special Olympics or Newton Meals on Wheels in care of Petersen Funeral Home.
