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RICHARD PARK Obituary

Richard R. (Dick) Park, 73, of Overland Park, Kansas, and Georgetown, Texas, entered into eternal rest with his Heavenly Father on February 23, 2012. He passed away with his beloved family by his side in Georgetown, Texas, due to complications from pulmonary fibrosis. Richard was born in Centerville, Iowa, on October 1, 1938, the first born child of Zellan H. and Alice M. (Hickerson) Park. He was raised in Seymour, Iowa, where he attended elementary and high school, graduating with the class of 1956. He then attended the University of Iowa and was a graduate of the University of Wisconsin Graduate School of Banking. In the summer of 1959, Dick met the love of his life, Carol Rowe, in Estes Park, Colorado, while they were both working summer jobs. They were married on August, 13, 1960, in Bazine, Kansas. They were blessed with three children, David, Robin, and Tracy. Dick and Carol made their home in Denver, Colorado, until 1961 when, due to the unexpected death of his father, they returned to Seymour, Iowa, to assist his mother in liquidating the family Chrysler-Plymouth dealership. During this time, he developed a close relationship with Wilson Ervin, a Centerville, Iowa, banker who offered him his first job in banking at Centerville National Bank after the dealership was liquidated. This began a 46-year banking career. Dick developed a special expertise for turning around problem banks and this led to subsequent jobs in Oelwein, Iowa; Bethany, Missouri; Russell, Kansas; Horton, Kansas; Brownsville, Texas, and finally in Garner, Iowa. Upon the sale of his last bank, Dick and Carol moved to Overland Park, Kansas, to be near family. Not cut out for retirement, he started a part-time position working with BPS Capital, a bank investment consulting firm located in Bloomington, Minnesota. He considered the President, Mike McLaren, a dear friend and appreciated the opportunity to work for BPS where he was still employed at the time of his death. The move to Kansas brought him great joy as he was deeply involved in his grandchildren's activities. As their biggest fan, if he was in town, he never missed a sporting event or concert and he enjoyed taking his kids and grandkids to many Chiefs games and other events. In 2006, Dick and Carol started wintering in Georgetown, Texas, where they resided at the time of his death. Dick was a member of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection; Za-Ga-Zig Shrine; Jackson Masonic Lodge #42 in Centerville, Iowa; San Gabriel Masonic Lodge #89 in Georgetown, Texas; The Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, York Rite Bodies; Elks Lodge #2395, Overland Park, Kansas; Rotary Club; and Lions Club. He was honored to serve on the Legislative Committee and the Board of Directors of the Iowa Bankers Association from 1995-1998. He was one of the founders of the Southeastern Iowa Chapter of the Bank Administration Institute and was named outstanding banker of that chapter in 1977. He served on the Board of Directors of the North Iowa Red Cross and was named most outstanding member of that organization in 2000. Wherever he lived, he worked tirelessly for any project or endeavor he thought would better his community. Along with his wife, Carol, he loved to travel during his semi-retirement. They were fortunate to create wonderful memories as they traveled the world. He enjoyed many activities including golf, where he was a member of the Hole-In-One Club, and a good game of bridge with friends. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Carol; children David Park, Overland Park, Kansas; Robin (Paul) Cupach, Overland Park, Kansas; and Tracy Kruse, Leawood, Kansas; and grandchildren, Rachael and Ellaina Park; Jack, Harry and Emma Farrell; Katie, Molly, Alison and Hunter Kruse; and brother, Roger Park, Jacksonville, Florida. He was preceded in death his parents, Zell and Alice Park, parents-in-law, Harry and Carrie Rowe and son-in-law, Max Kruse. Visitation will be at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, March 3, 2012, at Church of the Resurrection, 13720 Roe Avenue, Leawood, Kansas, in the Wesley Chapel (east building), with memorial services to follow at 11 a.m. Private interment will be in the Church of the Resurrection Memorial Garden. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Shriners' Hospital for Children, 6977 Main Street, Houston, Texas, 77030, with memo of "Richard Park Memorial for Wheelchairs and Walkers" or to Church of the Resurrection, 13720 Roe Avenue, Leawood, Kansas 66224. Arr.: Signature Funerals, 8019 State Line Rd., KCMO 64114, (816) 214-5174, www.signaturefunerals.com. S

Published by Kansas City Star on Mar. 1, 2012.
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Memories and Condolences
for RICHARD PARK

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Dear Carol, David, Robin and Tracy,
I just learned of Richard's passing, and you have my deepest sympathy. Please know he is in the company of many former friends. Dad deeply respected Richards business acumen: and by now they have probably purchased more real estate! A cloud perhaps with a heavenly view..
With Sympathy

Jean Barbaglia-Wenisch

March 11, 2012

Dear Carol and Family,
In behalf of the Overland Park Elks Lodge No. 2395 we express our sincere sympathies at Dick's passing. In our regular meeting last evening we had the first tier of rememberance with a Lodge of Sorrow. Indeed, An Elk is Never Forgotten Never Forsaken. . .

Richard Siminis

March 6, 2012

Carol, so sorry to hear about Richard. He was a friend toa lot of people, always ready to give a helping hand. Our prayers go out to you and your family.
Jack and Betty Walker
Centerville, Ia

March 5, 2012

Carol & family,

We were both saddened to hear of Dick's passing. We truly enjoyed his friendship and good times shared with you and Dick. Ed really thought alot of him and the good golfing times with him. He will miss the emails and conversations with him too. If there is anything we can do for you,please don't hesitate to ask.
Lots of love,
Ed & Lynn Roberts

Ed & Lynn Roberts

March 3, 2012

Thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

Margery Ewing Davison

March 3, 2012

Dear Carol & Family,
Was so very sorry to hear of Dick's passng. We were golfing friends during your time at Rancho Viejo and over the years exchanged many e-mails.

Please know my thougths & are with you and I share in your loss.

Sincerely,

Max Harris

March 3, 2012

Carol, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your dear family at this difficult time. May God bless you.

Dorothea King

March 2, 2012

Thoughts and Prayers go out to the family in this time of need. Dick will be missed by all.

Kelly Starchevich Culver

March 2, 2012

Carol, David, Robin & Tracy, Our family will be thinking of you during this difficult time. We have so many great memories of all of you and living next door in Centerville. Our prayers are with you. Love JoAnn & Pat Daugherty

March 2, 2012

Mrs. Park. David, Robin and Tracy,

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. God Bless.

Deb Mehrhoff Milks

Deb Mehrhoff-Milks

March 2, 2012

Carol & family, Please accept our deepest sympathies on the passing of Dick. We so truly enjoyed knowing you two when you lived in Garner. Glen enjoyed being on the bank board. Dick will be missed by so many.
Terri & Glen Greiman

March 2, 2012

I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers as you go thru this difficult time. Dick helped me during the purchase of my pharmacy and always gave me helpful financial advice. He always had a smile on his face. He will be missed by many.

Tammy Abbas

March 1, 2012

Carol and Family; I'm so very sorry for
your loss.

Barbara Hawk Haring

March 1, 2012

On behalf of the staff at the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation we offer our deepest condolences to the Park family. While this is a difficult time, please know that as a foundation we can offer support and information to your family as you move forward. We sincerely hope you will join the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation in the fight to permanently eliminate this disease.

The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation

March 1, 2012

We are thinking of your famlily at this difficult time. We have lots of happy memories with you in Centerville -- parents' bridge playing and at the city pool.

Anita Reznicek

March 1, 2012

HI David, Robin & Tracy,

I remember your father well, as a great booster and cheerleader for our many sports teams in Centerville, IA. Peace be with you.

Jeff McClanahan

March 1, 2012

Mrs. Park, Dave, Robbin and Tracy,

Julie and I have been thinking of you. God bless.

Joe and Julie Ferguson

March 1, 2012

Robin and family, i am so sadden to hear of this news. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

beth easley

March 1, 2012

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