Richard Van Kleeck, age 82, lately of Richmond, Kansas, succumbed to a longtime illness on September 12, 2009, and is now at peace with his Lord. Richard was born in Ellenville, New York, on July 31, 1927, the youngest of eight children. After high school, he worked briefly for Bell Telephone before joining the armed forces in 1946. He served in the U.S. Air Force, and was a proud veteran of the Korean War. In 1955, Richard received his discharge papers and went on with the business of marriage, family and life. Returning to his former work as a telephone lineman, Richard and his family moved to Kansas in 1960. He retired from Continental Telephone in 1986, and had continued to live in rural Kansas until his death. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Florence Van Kleeck of Richmond, Kansas; two daughters: Deborah Adriance of Stanwood, Washington and Sally Scheckel and husband Bernard, also of Richmond; a son, Thomas Van Kleeck and wife Peggy of Hutchinson, Kansas. Richard also leaves nine grandchildren and five great grandchildren. His family and friends will all miss his sense of humor, his love of music, and his infamous poetry recitations. He loved working on his computer and spending time with his family and his beloved little dog Amos. He had a great love for his country, and was a member of the Wellsville, Kansas Legion Post #194 for 40 years. Services are private. The family asks that gifts or donations be made to the American Kidney Foundation. You may send your condolences to the family at our website at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.