Richard "Dick" Morrissey

1945 - 2019

Richard "Dick" Morrissey obituary, 1945-2019

BORN

1945

DIED

2019

FUNERAL HOME

Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home & Crematory

601 Indiana Street

Lawrence, Kansas

Richard Morrissey Obituary

Richard "Dick" J. Morrissey, 73, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by family, on Saturday March 9, 2019.

Dick was born in Davenport, IA to John and Margaret Morrissey on April 6, 1945. His hard-working family owned a popular restaurant where he often helped his mom in the kitchen. The youngest of four children, Dick was doted on by his older siblings. The family lived above the restaurant, which on nights and weekends became the Sky Lark Night Club. He attended local public schools in Iowa until they moved to San Diego where he attended Mission Bay HS his Sophomore and Junior years. Dick was involved in Debate, National Forensics League, Key Club and Theatre until he graduated from High School, after returning to Davenport, in 1963. He began his undergraduate studies at the University of Iowa in 1964.

After 2 years as an Iowa Hawkeye, Dick was drafted into active duty by the United States Army in 1966 and began training at the United States Army Infantry School, Fort Benning, GA. After USAIS, Dick completed Officer Candidate School and upon graduation was commissioned as Second Lieutenant. As an officer on the precipice of a combat tour in Vietnam, LT Morrissey was assigned to the Jungle Operations Course at the US Army School of the Americas in Panama where he earned the Jungle Expert Patch. On August 23, 1967 LT Morrissey arrived in Lai Khe, Vietnam, home of the First Infantry Division (The Big Red One). Promptly he was given a field promotion to 1st Lieutenant as platoon leader of the 3rd Platoon/Company B, 2nd Battalion (Mechanized), 2nd Infantry, First Infantry Division. The company area of operations was the infamous Iron Triangle area north of Saigon up Hwy 13 "Thunder Road".

1LT Morrissey was awarded the Silver Star, The Soldiers Medal for Valor, the Bronze Star w/"V" device, The Air Medal w/4olc, the Army Commendation Medal w/olc, The National Defense Service Medal and The Vietnam Service Medal w/2 stars. The Republic of Vietnam awarded him The Vietnamese Campaign Medal w/60 device and the Vietnamese Gallantry Cross. In August 1968, 1LT Morrissey received his honorable discharge from the Army, laid aside his weapons forever, and set out to find his calling.

Dick returned to the University of Iowa and graduated with a BA in Political Science in 1971. He was concerned about child welfare which led him to jobs mentoring marginalized youth at the start of his professional career. These jobs included supervising a youth group home and developing programs at Wheatlands Youth Services where he met Marsha. They married December 21, 1975 in Garden City, KS.

The couple moved to Lawrence where they made their home and raised their children Ryan and Jane. Dick began his 36-year career with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment in 1974, the year the department was established. During his tenure with the state he held several positions from Director, Bureau of Adult and Child Care to Deputy Director and Interim Director, Division of Health. During his time at KDHE, Dick was involved with a vast and varied scope of initiatives and projects. For more than a decade, he led the Office of Local and Rural Health helping to expand/maintain hospital and critical access care across the state. In addition, he assisted with the new emphasis on hospital bioterrorism readiness. In every role, Dick's core

belief that public service is the highest calling made him a faithful steward of public health for all Kansans.

Dick was an avid reader who enjoyed sailing, hiking, cycling, frequenting the dog park, listening to NPR, crafting the perfect martini, giving back to his community, and most importantly, spending time with family and close friends. In his retirement, Dick continued his outreach in the local community. He served on the board of the Lawrence Community Shelter, served his faith community at Plymouth Congregational Church and shared laughter and stories at Cosmos breakfasts with friends. He was loved dearly by his family and friends and his calm demeanor, progressive nature, and contagious smile will be missed.

Survivors include wife Marsha; son, Ryan; daughter, Jane; sisters, MaryAnn Wichmann and Meghan La Rocque. Dick was preceded in death by his parents Margaret and John; brother, Tom; stepfather, Charlie Dunn; and brother-in-law, Richard Wichmann.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 3rd at Plymouth Congregational Church. Following the service, all are welcome to join the reception in Plymouth's Mayflower room.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials in Dick's memory to: Plymouth Congregational Church, 925 Vermont St, Lawrence, KS 66044; the Lawrence Community Shelter, 3655 E 25th St, Lawrence, KS 66046; or Visiting Nurses Association, 200 Maine St Lawrence, KS 66044.

Online condolences may be sent at rumsey-yost.com.

Published by Lawrence Journal-World from Mar. 11 to Mar. 17, 2019.
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To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Morrissey

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Ryan

Family

December 5, 2020

Ryan

Family

December 5, 2020

Thoughts and prayers to the family of Dick. He was quite an individual and was well loved and appreciated within the community and to all around him.

Kathy Eisman, Lifestyle 360 Dir. Brandon Woods

April 6, 2019

I worked on the environment side of KDHE 1979 to 2007. Every comment made on this page is true. I did not work directly with Richard , but I always knew he was someone you could go to & receive good, sincere, honest direction. His easy manner, smile and gentle laughter is how I will remember him . Condolences to the family

Cathryn Houghton

March 19, 2019

I was very fortunate to be serving in the Kansas Senate while Dick was part of our health leadership team in state government. Dick was a great mentor and a good friend.

Sandy Praeger

March 18, 2019

My condolences to all Dick's family and loved one's. I knew him through the Cosmos and enjoyed being around him. We thank him for his exceptional service to our country and will miss him as part of our Cosmo group. May he rest in peace.

Joe OBERZAN

March 17, 2019

I worked with Dick for 25 years at KDHE and he was my boss serving as the Acting Director of Health when we were between Directors. Dick was very knowledgeable about the political workings of our agency as well as legislative issues and presented testimony throughout the years on public health issues. My deepest sympathy to Dick's family! He will be missed by many of us who worked with and for him!

Pam Carpenter

March 14, 2019

Dick was a quiet and witty man who I got to know while we were "coaching" little league baseball. Then, as our kids went through school together, we got to see each other. My good memory of Dick will be his wry smile and his positive outlook on everything we touched at the same time.

John Tacha

Friend

March 13, 2019

We are going to miss Dick at Breakfast Cosmos. Take comfort in all the great memories you share.

Jeff Sigler

March 13, 2019

Dick was a true mentor; a great boss. I admired him and his words of wisdom and respect. My heart goes out to his family.

Cathy Rooney

March 12, 2019

I will certainly be thinking of you and wishing you comfort through these rough times. I also worked with Dick for many years at KDHE. What a great boss, friend and very kind man. Dick will be missed by everyone who knew him.

Karen Connelly

March 12, 2019

James Richard Morrissey & Family

March 12, 2019

I am very sadden to hear of Richard's passing. I also worked for Richard at KDHE and he was one the best bosses and true friend. My thoughts and prayers are with the Morrissey Family

Terry Simmons

March 12, 2019

I worked with Dick for many years at KDHE and always admired his intelligence and respected the work he did. He had a great laugh and was a good friend and mentor. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Greg Reser

March 12, 2019

Fare well Brother Morrissey. Your brotherly love with be missed by your Cosmos brethren. I enjoyed getting to know you over the many Friday morning breakfast meetings we shared. Rest easy my friend.

John Ross

March 11, 2019

I am so sorry to hear about Dick's death. I worked with him for several years at KDHE and learned a lot, especially how to pick my battles. He was wise, nonjudgemental and one of the best bosses I ever had. Joyce Volmut

Joyce Volmut

March 11, 2019

Dick hired me at kdhe in 1979 and was a true mentor. I respected him greatly and owe very much to him. He will be missed by all who knew him. A truly good man

Joseph Kroll

March 11, 2019

You have my condolences. Dick was a kind and pleasant Cosmo brother. May God bless you and your family.

Paul Morte

March 11, 2019

I knew Dick from Plymouth as well as Cosmo. I knew him from his ever present smile.

Gary Boyer

March 11, 2019

I worked with Dick when he was at KDHE and I was a State Representative. He was always a gentleman, knowledgeable, and committed to providing the people of Kansas the best possible health care.

Tom Sloan

March 11, 2019

Dick will be greatly missed in our breakfast group.
Rest in peace, Dick. When may your
family find peace on earth and peace
of mind.

Larry

March 11, 2019

Dick was such a kind and gentle man. He will missed so much.

breck marion

March 11, 2019

My condolences! He was a quiet, gentle man who always impressed me with his way and manner. Steve Jansen

March 11, 2019

I was Honored and Blessed to know Dick through the Lawrence Breakfast Cosmopolitan Club for several years. A kind heart. A quick wit. A generous soul. May he Rest in Peace and may his family be comforted by great memories and the gathering of close friends.

Dan Brogren

March 11, 2019

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Memorial Events
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Apr

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Memorial service

11:00 a.m.

Plymouth Congregational Church

Lawrence, KS

Funeral services provided by:

Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home & Crematory

601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, KS 66044

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