Lenexa, KS – Richard R. ”Rich” Nelson passed away peacefully on September 15, 2021, with his family surrounding him at St. Luke’s Hospital on the Plaza.  A private Celebration of Life for family and friends will be held 11:00 am on Friday, October 8^th.

Rich was born on April 1, 1930, in Chicago, IL to Mabel and Rudy Nelson.  He attended the University of Illinois School of Pharmacy before joining the Air Force and serving his country in the Korean War.  Upon his discharge from the Air Force, he became a pilot for TWA, flying the “Connie” 727, the 1011, and flying international flights on the 747.  Rich also taught in the TWA training center.

Rich married Winnie Yaeger on August 25, 1956 and had 2 children Cindy and Rick.  He was a devoted husband and father.  Rich and Winnie enjoyed many years at Lake Quivira playing golf and traveling and spending winters in Arizona until Winnie passed away.

Rich met Fran Rast through friends at Lake Quivira and they were married on November 16, 1991.  Rich welcomed Jack, Brian, and Stacey into the family.

Rich and Fran enjoyed many years of traveling through flying, cruises, and trips in their RV.  Their favorite trip was a 6-week 10,000-mile RV adventure through Alaska.  They spent their winters in Arizona and summers at Lake Quivira. 

Rich and Fran moved to Overland Park when Rich required a wheelchair where they spent several years.  The last 5 years Rich and Fran have lived at Lakeview Village where they developed many friendships.  Rich was very appreciative of the kindness and care he received from friends and staff at Lakeview Village and the rehab center at Lakeview Village.

Rich was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather.  He is survived by his wife Fran, daughter Cindy, son Rick (wife, Denise) and stepchildren Jack (wife, Rhonda), Brian, and Stacey (husband, Michael).  He is also survived by 9 grandchildren (Barbara, Shannon, Jon, Nicholas, Brittany, Quincy, Gabe, Jude, and Mikhail) and 5 great grandchildren (Ryan, Dylan, Damon, Savannah, and Laila).

Rich will be missed dearly by his family and friends.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Village Presbyterian Church (6641 Mission Rd, Prairie Village, KS 66208), the Kansas City Hospice House (9001 State Line Rd, Ste 300, Kansas City, MO 64114), or St. Luke’s Foundation (901 E 104^th St #100S, Kansas City, MO 64131).