Richard E. Haas

Richard (Dick) Earl Haas, 91, passed away on Friday, April 16, 2021. He was born September 6, 1929, to Irving and Fern Haas at the family home in Overbrook, Kansas.

Richard grew up in Overbrook and graduated from Overbrook Rural High School. He went on to graduate from Baker University where he lettered in both Football and Track & Field. He was a member of the Zeta Chi Fraternity. He married his high school sweetheart, Wanice Walker, on May 27, 1951, in Overbrook. Together they raised four children.

After 8 years of military service which included 2 years of active duty in the U.S. Army and 6 years in the U.S. Army Reserves, Richard was honorably discharged. His active duty included service in Korea during the Korean War. He achieved the rank of Master Sergeant. Richard went on to use part of his GI Bill to earn his pilot's license.

Richard began his teaching and coaching career at East Indianola working with 7th and 8th graders. He went back to his roots when he took a position teaching Industrial Arts at Shawnee Heights High School. He taught and coached for over 25 years in USD 450, retiring in 1989. Richard took great pride in supporting student's future careers and a passion for guiding athletes to become the best they could be.

Richard enjoyed repairing anything mechanical including wrecked vehicles, a burnt tractor, a rolled over combine and so much more. Those talents supported many years of successful farming in Berryton, Kansas. He even built the family's first ski boat. As the family was growing up, they spent time boating and water skiing with other families and friends often camping at local campgrounds. He built two quarter midgets that competed locally and nationally with son Gary as the driver and son Gregg as the engine builder.

In anticipation of retirement Richard purchased a 1947 Stinson airplane that hadn't flown for 17 years. The three year restoration project was a labor of love and a reconnection to his love of flying. He and Wanice enjoyed traveling, meeting new friends and reconnecting with friends from their past.

Richard was preceded in death by his wife Wanice and older sister, Dorothy James. He is survived by 4 children and their spouses, Gregg and Cindy Haas of Berryton, Kansas, Gayla and Grant Anderson of Olathe, Kansas, Gwenn and Rob Pike of Shawnee, Kansas, Gary and Mona Haas of Clarkston, Washington; 9 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

A visitation with family will be at Berryton United Methodist Church, Berryton, Kansas on Monday, May 3, 2021 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.

A private memorial service will be held at Berryton United Methodist Church at 10:00 am on Tuesday, May 4, 2021.

Donations may be sent to Overbrook Historical Society, 700 Sunset Lane, Overbrook, KS 66524 or Baker University Scholarships, Attn: Office of Development, PO Box 65, Baldwin City, KS 66006

Dove Cremations and Funerals - Southeast Chapel is assisting the family.

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