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Richard Wayne Wellman, 78, loving father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend to many, died peacefully surrounded by loved ones on April 11, 2019. Richard was born on April 11th, 1941 at St. Francis hospital in Topeka, Kansas. He grew up on a dairy farm north of Lawrence, Kansas, just off Wellman Road (named for his great grandfather). He went to Oskaloosa High School and graduated in the class of 1959. Richard was quite an accomplished runner, posting a 4:36 school record time for the mile which stood for 10 years. Richard then went on to Kansas State University where he met his lifelong partner, Joy Larita (Schilling) Wellman. June 2, 1963 was a busy day for Richard, as he graduated from Kansas State with a degree in Electrical Engineering and then was married at Blue Valley Methodist Church in Manhattan, Kansas that afternoon. This marriage produced 3 children, all boys: Mark, Jeffrey, and Bruce. Richard and Joy resided in Camanche, Iowa for many years (1963 - 1981) as Richard worked for the cellophane manufacturing facility for DuPont. Richard then lived in two other locations at Kennett Square, PA (1981 - 1991) and Seaford, DE (1991 - 1998) as they continued to follow Richard's career at DuPont. Richard and Joy retired to Baldwin City, KS, in the fall of 1998 to be back in Kansas, the state in which they both were born and deeply fond of. To know Richard, you were fortunate to be exposed to his kind ways, deep curiosity and intellect, and helpful nature. He was quick to volunteer to fix anything, and more often than not, he had the part or could create the solution to get things back running again. He volunteered at the Jefferson County Genealogical Society and Historical Society, Baldwin City Library, was on the board at Black Jack Battlefield and Nature Park, consulted for Baldwin City Power Plant, and completed a thorough genealogy history of his family via publishing three books and numerous articles. He also supplied numerous indices of marriage, death, and land records for Douglas and Jefferson counties that are being leveraged today. Richard leaves a rich legacy of people touched by his gifts and we are all better to have known him. Richard is preceded in death by his father, Howard Neal Wellman and mother, Myra Gladys (Rogers) Wellman, and wife Joy Larita (Schilling) Wellman. Richard is survived by three sons and daughter-in-laws: Mark & Sue Wellman of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Jeff and Sabrina Wellman of Lawrence, Kansas, and Bruce and Vivian Wellman of Olathe, Kansas, five grandchildren: Matthew and Elizabeth (Jeff & Sabrina), Luc, Leah, and Kaelyn (Bruce & Vivian), and one brother, Leland "Lee" Wellman and wife Marge of Sun City, Arizona.
A gathering of friends will be held at Barnett Family Funeral Home, 1220 Walnut Street,
Oskaloosa, Kansas on Wednesday, April 17th, 2019 from 5 to 7 p.m. A memorial service will
be celebrated on Thursday, April 18th, starting at 10 a.m. also at Barnett Family Funeral Home.
Interment will follow at McLouth Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial donations to the Jefferson County Historical Society, Wellman School Building fund, in care of Barnett Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 602, Oskaloosa, KS, 66066. Online condolences at www.barnettfamilyfh.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Richard Wellman's family were such good neighbors in Kennett Square. I am so sorry to hear of his passing.
Joyce Williams
Neighbor
January 7, 2021
Mark, Jeff, Bruce, and all of Richard's family: We adored Richard and were blessed to have known him. Our hearts, love, and prayers are with you all.
Charlie & Ann Reed and Family
Ann Reed
April 16, 2019
a loved one
April 16, 2019
a loved one
April 16, 2019
a loved one
April 15, 2019
I served with Richard when he was on the board of the Black Jack Battlefield Trust. His kindness and concern for others was always present in everything he did for Black Jack, and we will always be grateful to him for that and for his untiring efforts to document the history of the Battle of Black Jack and the subsequent history of the land and the people who lived on it. Thank you Richard, for everything you did for us.
Kerry Altenbernd
April 15, 2019
It is never easy to say goodbye to someone we love so much. Knowing that so many were loved and touched by him helps. Even more so, because he lives in their memories. May you have peace and comfort that you have a hope of seeing your loved one again. My condolences
April 14, 2019
Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results
Apr
17
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Barnett Family Funeral Home - Oskaloosa1220 Walnut Street PO Box 602, Oskaloosa, KS 66066
Apr
18
10:00 a.m.
Barnett Family Funeral Home - Oskaloosa1220 Walnut Street PO Box 602, Oskaloosa, KS 66066
Funeral services provided by:
Barnett Family Funeral Home - Oskaloosa1220 Walnut Street PO Box 602, Oskaloosa, KS 66066
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