Leo Richard

Leo Richard

July 18, 1930 - June 28, 2015

BENKELMAN, Neb. -- Leo John Richard was born on July 18, 1930, with his twin sister, Leah, at the family farm near Parks, Nebraska, to Aubrey J. and Myrtle (Penn) Richard. As a young man, he grew up on the farm and attended school, graduating from Parks High School in 1947.

Leo married Jean Ann McDowell on April 28, 1951, and the couple settled on a farm southwest of Benkelman in Cheyenne County, Kansas. Leo and Jean Ann remained on the farm for many years, raising six children, before moving to St. Francis because of health reasons.

Leo loved to farm and enjoyed carpentry, helping to construct many projects in Benkelman and the surrounding area. Leo especially enjoyed woodworking, a hobby he continued throughout his life. He was a longtime member of the Odd Fellows of St. Francis, Kansas, loved to fish, and was a 4-H leader.

Leo passed away Sunday morning, June 28, 2015, at the Good Samaritan Nursing Center in St. Francis, Kansas. He was 84 years of age.

Survivors include his wife, Jean Ann of St. Francis; sons, Brent Richard of Tucson, Arizona, Brad Richard of St. Francis, Mark Richard and wife, Geneva, of Macon, Missouri, and Chris Richard and wife, Lisa, of Aurora, Colorado; daughters, Pam Moses and husband, Boyce, of Hutchinson, Kansas and Pat Baalman and husband, Dan, of Colby, Kansas; twin sister, Leah Els and husband, Byron of Benkelman; sister, Alice Baney of Hudson, Florida; 10 grandchildren, Casey, Shane, Marie, Melissa, Nick, David, Rachel, Michael, Chad and Cole; and five great-grandchildren.

Leo was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Annie; and brothers, Glen and Gene.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, July 1, 2015, 10:30 a.m.. at the Benkelman Community Building in Benkelman with Rev. Doug Hjelmstad officiating. Interment will follow at the Benkelman Cemetery in Benkelman.

Visitation is today until 6 p.m. at the Benkelman Community Building in Benkelman.

A memorial has been established in Leo's memory.

On line condolences can be left at liewerfuneralhome.com

Benkelman Memorial Chapel is entrusted with arrangements