Richard William Delventhal

Richard William Delventhal, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and faithful servant to his church and community, lived a life marked by faith, family, service, hard work, and a genuine care for others.

Richard was born on June 9, 1932, in St. Louis, Missouri, to the Rev. Richard Delventhal and Emma Runge Delventhal. He attended schools in St. Louis, including First Lutheran High School, until his family moved to Sweet Springs, Missouri, in 1948, when his father accepted a call to Immanuel Lutheran Church. Richard graduated from Sweet Springs High School in 1950.

Following high school, Richard attended Bailey Technical School, where he studied gas and diesel engines and graduated in 1951. He went on to serve his country as a member of the United States Navy Seabees during the Korean War. His military service was an important part of his life, and he was honorably discharged on February 12, 1960.

On January 1, 1954, Richard married Edith Eckhoff in Sweet Springs, beginning a marriage and partnership that would span more than seven decades. Together, they built a loving family and shared a lifetime of memories, friendships, faith, and service.

In September 1963, Richard and Edith moved to the Kansas City area, where Richard worked for Rival Manufacturing, Hodgdon’s, and Neapco, Inc. before retiring in 1997. In the fall of 1967, they made their home in Overland Park, Kansas, while continuing their membership at Calvary Lutheran Church.

Faith was a constant and meaningful part of Richard’s life. During his years in Sweet Springs, he was active in youth activities and other church organizations. At Calvary Lutheran Church, he became deeply involved in the life of the congregation, participating in the church choir and couples club and serving faithfully as an Elder.

Richard and Edith also treasured the friendships they formed through a Pinochle card club they helped establish with fellow church members. What began as an opportunity for fellowship grew into a tradition that continued for more than five decades—a lasting testament to Richard’s love of friendship, laughter, and community.

Richard and Edith were blessed with two sons, Jon Alan Delventhal and Paul Richard Delventhal (Melody). His family continued to grow through his two granddaughters, Emily Sandra Prothe (Justin) and Megan Irene Fleming (Nathan), and his great-granddaughter, Tatum Rae Prothe, who brought him special joy and pride.

Retirement brought Richard another meaningful chapter. He began working part-time for Newcomer’s Funeral Home, where he discovered a new way to serve others. Through that work, he met countless people from all walks of life and formed new friendships with coworkers and members of the community. He found deep satisfaction in being present for families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. The opportunity to serve others in their time of need was a source of gratitude and fulfillment for him.

Richard will be remembered for his steady faith, generous spirit, quiet strength, and willingness to serve. He valued family, cherished lifelong friendships, remained devoted to his church, and found meaning in helping others. His life was one of faithful commitment—to his wife, his family, his country, his church, his work, and the many people whose lives he touched.

His legacy, along with Edith's lives on through his children and their families, his grandchildren and great-granddaughter, and the many friends and members of his church and community who were fortunate to know him.

Richard’s life was long, purposeful, and richly blessed. He leaves behind not only memories, but an enduring example of faithfulness, service, kindness, and love.