Nel Franceslindner Richmond

Nel Frances Lindner Richmond, 89, died peacefully in Topeka on February 12, 2016. Mrs. Richmond was born in Carrollton, Missouri, to John Jenkins Frazier and Ellen Elizabeth "Judy" (England) Frazier. She had two birthdays – her actual birth date of April 6, 1926, and the date the rural doctor finally signed the birth certificate, May 5, 1926. Mr. Frazier was a newspaperman and the family lived in Wellington, Kansas, then moved to El Dorado, and finally to Garden City as he accepted opportunities with newspapers. In Garden City, Nel married Maurice W. Lindner, a farmer and stockman, on March 30, 1947. He died on February 8, 1964.

While living in Garden City, she was involved in, and generally spearheaded, The Blood Mobile, Community Concert Association, and Salmagundi Women's Club. She played golf at the Garden City Country Club and was active in the Kansas Livestock Association Auxiliary, The Cow Belles. Nel played her baby grand piano beautifully and was the voice and performance coach for a winning Miss Kansas contestant. She was the choir director at the First Baptist Church and sang at various functions and events. She appeared in a scene of In Cold Blood and became socially acquainted with Truman Capote, Nell Harper Lee, and many Metropolitan opera stars whom she entertained in her home when in Garden City for Community Concerts.

As a widow with three children, Nel began working. She worked for local businesses and was the secretary for the Garden City Chamber of Commerce. She had previously worked during World War II at the Garden City Airbase while her mother traveled to Wichita and worked as a "Rosie the Riveter." Her father had served overseas in World War I, was wounded at Verdun and thought to be dead, but was saved by Salvation Army volunteers checking the battlefield after the battle.

On January 19, 1968, she married Robert W. Richmond, an author, educator, and historian, whom she had met in the fourth grade in Wellington, Kansas. He survives. She moved with her family to Topeka to a three story house in the historic College Hill neighborhood. She lived in and loved the house and the neighborhood for the rest of her life.

An active and dedicated Democrat, Mrs. Richmond served Governor John Carlin for eight years as director of the executive mansion, social secretary, and speechwriter. She then served as administrative assistant for two Kansas Democratic senators. Nel was a charter member of the Friends of Cedar Crest Association. She created and edited the book, "Kansas First Families at Home." She regularly volunteered at the polls.

Nel's interests were many and varied. She enjoyed her Westminster Presbyterian Church community and committees, the Topeka Symphony League, and Nautilus Club. The Kansas City Royals have lost their biggest fan. Nel loved and supported all things involving Washburn University, including the Kappa Sigma Mothers' Club. She worked tirelessly for the College Hill Wall of Fame. She brought her extended Frazier family to Topeka every other July 4th for the "Frazier Fling" where the College Hill parade and Boswell fireworks were enjoyed by everyone. The fling will go forth this year in her honor.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, her parents, brother John J Frazier and wife Clara, brother Joseph Edwin Frazier and wife Helen, brother James Lee Frazier, and a son, Peter Frazier Lindner.

Survivors include her husband Robert, her children Catherine Lindner Wasinger (Kenneth), John Maurice Lindner, John David Richmond (Barb), Douglas Robert Richmond, and daughter-in-law Dawn Markham Lindner. Grandsons include Samuel Maurice Lindner (Lauren), Theodore Joseph Lindner, Joseph Murphy Wasinger, Thomas Richmond Lindner, Benjamin Eugene Lindner, and Eric Michael Richmond. She had one great grandson, Jack Peter Lindner. Nel is also survived by her sister-in-law, Sara Frazier, seven nieces, two nephews, and eleven great nieces and nephews.

Nel Richmond was a great and accomplished lady, a wonderful person, mother, wife, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend. She gave and received love in heroic portions.

Memorials are suggested to: "The Nel Richmond Charitable Fund," 1401 S.W. College Ave., Topeka, KS 66604. Your memorials will be donated to one or more of Nel's favorite charities: Heifer International, Westminster Presbyterian Church, The College Hill Wall of Fame, Performing Arts for Children, and The Finney County Historical Society.

A memorial service is planned for the first weekend in July, 2016, in connection with a family celebration in her honor.

To share a special memory of Nel or to leave a message of condolence, please visit the guestbook below.