In Memory Of
Richard Lee Laing
1935
2018
Richard Lee Laing
October 3, 1935 — December 12, 2018
Richard Lee "Dick" Laing, 83, of Topeka, passed away Wednesday, December 12, 2018.
He was born October 3, 1935, in Lawrence, Kansas, the son of Howard Hillis and Mildred Bernice (Beach) Laing. He was a 1954 graduate of Lawrence High School and received a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts from the University of Kansas in 1960. He entered the U. S. Air Force in 1960 where he achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, retiring in 1987.
Dick married Jann Cameron in June of 1960. They were divorced. He married Beth Collar in 1979. She preceded him in death in 2010. He married Blossom M. Frakes Swanson on November 19, 2010 in Topeka. She survives. Other survivors include two sons, Eric Laing, Las Vegas, NM and Scott (Shila) Laing, New Braunsfels, TX; a step-son, Brent Swanson, Redondo Beach, CA; and a step-daughter Beth (Kevin Rowe) Swanson, Kansas City, MO; eight grandchildren, Sierra Laing, John Laing, Ani Laing, Gwynn Laing, Oliver Laing, Rowan Laing, Nathan Laing and Zoey Laing; six step-grandchildren, Brianna (Justin) Camm, Westley Swanson, Mackenna Rowe, Rachael (Sam) Horrell, Caitlin (Zach) Buehrer, Kelley Rowe; two step-great-grandchildren, Wally Horrell and Rowen Buehrer; his sister, Carolyn (Jim) Hemphill, Lawrence, KS; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Don Laing and a step-grandson, Ryan Rowe.
Dick enjoyed painting, collecting Laing Matchbox trucks, watching the History Channel, the National Geographic and Weather Channels and was a KU Jayhawk Basketball fan.
Honoring Dick's request, cremation is planned. A memorial ceremony will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, December 19, 2018 at the Dove Cremations and Funerals, Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Rd, Topeka. Military honors will be conducted by the U.S. Air Force.
Memorial contributions may be made to Midland Care, 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka, KS 66606.
To leave a special message for Dick's family, please visit the guestbook below.
He was born October 3, 1935, in Lawrence, Kansas, the son of Howard Hillis and Mildred Bernice (Beach) Laing. He was a 1954 graduate of Lawrence High School and received a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts from the University of Kansas in 1960. He entered the U. S. Air Force in 1960 where he achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, retiring in 1987.
Dick married Jann Cameron in June of 1960. They were divorced. He married Beth Collar in 1979. She preceded him in death in 2010. He married Blossom M. Frakes Swanson on November 19, 2010 in Topeka. She survives. Other survivors include two sons, Eric Laing, Las Vegas, NM and Scott (Shila) Laing, New Braunsfels, TX; a step-son, Brent Swanson, Redondo Beach, CA; and a step-daughter Beth (Kevin Rowe) Swanson, Kansas City, MO; eight grandchildren, Sierra Laing, John Laing, Ani Laing, Gwynn Laing, Oliver Laing, Rowan Laing, Nathan Laing and Zoey Laing; six step-grandchildren, Brianna (Justin) Camm, Westley Swanson, Mackenna Rowe, Rachael (Sam) Horrell, Caitlin (Zach) Buehrer, Kelley Rowe; two step-great-grandchildren, Wally Horrell and Rowen Buehrer; his sister, Carolyn (Jim) Hemphill, Lawrence, KS; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Don Laing and a step-grandson, Ryan Rowe.
Dick enjoyed painting, collecting Laing Matchbox trucks, watching the History Channel, the National Geographic and Weather Channels and was a KU Jayhawk Basketball fan.
Honoring Dick's request, cremation is planned. A memorial ceremony will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, December 19, 2018 at the Dove Cremations and Funerals, Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Rd, Topeka. Military honors will be conducted by the U.S. Air Force.
Memorial contributions may be made to Midland Care, 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka, KS 66606.
To leave a special message for Dick's family, please visit the guestbook below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Richard Lee Laing, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Memorial Service
Wednesday, December 19, 2018
Starts at 2:00 pm (Central time)
Dove Cremations & Funerals - Southwest
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