Richard Ernest Anderson

Richard Ernest Anderson, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and cherished community member, passed away peacefully on June 24, 2025, in Elmwood, Illinois, at the age of 81. Born March 9, 1944, in Horton, Kansas, Richard was a long-time resident of Caney, Kansas, a town he served faithfully for most of his life. Richard was baptized and confirmed in the Upper Wolf Lutheran Church in Robinson, Kansas. 

After graduating from Midway-Denton High School—where he was a proud member of the football team that went undefeated his sophomore year and was only scored upon once—he went on to attend Highland Community College. There, he continued to play football, sang in the choir, and became a charter member of the Don-Brown Fine Arts Association. He later transferred to Emporia Teachers College (now Emporia State University), where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Education.

 Richard began his time at Caney Valley schools in 1966, where he taught high school business and typing. Subsequently, Richard also worked as a substitute teacher and part-time at Montgomery Standard Service Station. He was a school bus driver for the Caney Valley School District for 32 years. He was also a fixture at home basketball and football games, where he faithfully ran the game clock. His lifelong dedication to Caney Valley Schools was recognized in 2023 when he was inducted into the Caney Valley High School Athletic Hall of Fame. 

Outside of the school district, Richard committed much of his life to his wife’s family’s purebred hog operation, Messner Farms. He and his beloved wife Patty were well known for catering community events and weddings together. The two met at the Dairy Queen in downtown Caney and were married on April 6, 1969, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Coffeyville. Together, they built a life of service, love, and joy, raising their family in Caney. Richard’s faith was a guiding light throughout his life. He was a devoted member and Elder at Trinity Lutheran Church in Caney, where he also served for many years as the volunteer choir director. He gave generously of his time as a Jaycee member, 4-H club leader, and passionate community volunteer. He was known for his selflessness, kindness, and his deep love for people. Above all else, Richard cherished his family. 

He is survived by his children: Brian and wife Jennifer of Elmwood, IL, and their children Andrew (wife Kennedy), Brenden, Lilianna, and Eleanor; Brett of Caney, and his children Ryan and Ky Atherton; Brandon of Garden City, KS, and his son Cade; Brea and husband Thomas Cox of Coffeyville, and their sons Draco and Christopher. He is also survived by: His brother John and wife Mary Kay of Kansas City, MO, and their children: Mary Beth (husband Johnny Self and their children Johnathan [wife Maggie] and Rebekah [husband Joe Struble]), Andrew and Rachel, and Jane (husband Sid Sparks and their son Brett); His sister Theresa and husband Jeff Cawthon) of Camdenton, MO and their children: Alina (and daughter Kinsley Brown) and R.J.; Nephew Mark and his children Nick and Kyle; Nephew Eric (wife Jamie Nelson and their children Wythe and Quinn); Niece Jill (husband Matt Peltier and their children Leah and Allison). 

Richard was preceded in death by his loving wife of 51 years, Patty; his parents, Donald and Fern; and his brother, Walt. A man of great humility, unwavering faith, and boundless generosity, Richard leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and quiet strength. Whether cheering on the Bullpups, leading hymns in church, or simply showing up for others in big and small ways, he lived a life that touched everyone around him. His presence will be deeply missed, but his impact will be felt for generations to come.

Visitation will be Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Caney, Kansas, 108 N Bradley Avenue, from 5pm-8pm. Services will be held Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Church at 11am. Graveside will follow afterwards at Sunnyside Cemetery in Caney.

Memorial donations can be made to Montgomery County 4-H Council and Trinity Lutheran Church.