Richard Dietrich

April 5, 1952 - January 13, 2022

Richard Dean Dietrich, age 69, passed away peacefully at home Thursday, January 13th, 2022. Richard was born on April 5th, 1952, in Iola, KS. He was the second born child of Leo and Naomi (Webster) Dietrich. He graduated from Chanute High School in the class of 1970. Immediately following High School, Richard enlisted in the United States Navy where he served 4 years. Following the Navy, he enrolled in the Police Academy in Nebraska where he graduated with Honors. Shortly after, Richard decided he wanted to re-enlist in the military. This time, it would be for the United States Army. He served 3 terms as a Military Policeman. Richard was stationed numerous places while he was in the Army, but his 3 years served in Italy were his favorite. He told many stories of his time spent there to his family. In 1980, Richard and Cheryl met in Kansas City, KS. They later married and raised their family of 4 children in Fort Scott, KS. Some of Richard’s favorite past times were working on cars, taking the family to the drag races at MoKan, helping with his son in law Donald’s race car, and cheering him on at the Humboldt Speedway. Of course, “Pops” (as everyone liked to call him) was always there to lend a hand and buff out some tire marks that were left on the car from the other drivers. While he loved everything to do with race cars, his biggest joy in life was spending time with his grandkids and bragging on them to anyone and everyone. Richard is survived by his 4 children, 1 son in law, 10 grandchildren, his mother Naomi Chesnut and 4 siblings. He is preceded in death by his father Leo. Children: Aaron Dietrich and wife Candace of Overland Park, KS Steven Dietrich of Wichita, KS Christina Dietrich and partner Kip Jackson of Kansas City, MO Michelle McIntosh of Chanute, KS Donald McIntosh of Chanute, KS Grandchildren: Lauryn, Orion, Aubree, Cheyenne, Owen, Conner, Alyssa, Remingtyn, Dillynn and Hunter Siblings: Jackie Burley of Simi Valley, CA Larry Dietrich of Chanute, KS Cynthia Braun of Aurora, CO Linda Feld of Wichita, KS Visitation for Richard will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Tuesday, January 18, 2022, at Countryside Funeral Home in Chanute, KS. Per Richards wishes, cremation will take place after visitation.