Fred “Richard” Brandow, age 74, passed away on December 28, 2025 after struggling with multiple health issues for an extended period. He was in the care of KC Hospice House in his final days.
Richard was born at North Kansas City Hospital on September 4, 1951 in Kansas City, Missouri. He graduated from North Kansas City High School in 1970.
He served in the Army and the Army reserves from 1973 through 1979, spending the first two years of his commitment in Germany. His rank at the end of his service was Sergeant.
He received an associate’s degree from York College in York, Nebraska; a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Harding University and in Searcy, Arkansas (1984); a Master of Science in Counseling from the University of Missouri - Kansas City (1986); A Master of Social Work from the University of Kansas (1990). He was a Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker (LSCSW), a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and held certifications in clinical hypnosis.
Richard spent his professional career proving support and counseling services to many individuals as well as families throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area. He served as a Christian counselor for Christian Family Services of the Midwest for many years and had a private practice, Christian Counseling Services. He touched the lives of many members of the churches of Christ. The churches and its members were at the heart of who he wanted to serve.
Richard loved: God; the Bible; talking to people (no matter where he went, he always found someone, who knew someone he knew); telling stories; telling jokes; listening to old time country, folk, blues and jazz music; singing; talking about motorcycles; talking about guitars; collecting things that interested him; eating BBQ; pot luck dinners; thunderstorms; and helping all people but especially those who were marginalized by society.
He is survived by his wife, Jan Brandow of 42 years; his children, Lauren M. Brandow, Alexandra (Alex) J. Brandow and Richard Benjamin (Ben) Brandow; Ben’s wife Kate and his two grandchildren Lennon Jo Brandow and Bodie Martin Brandow; his sister Rachel Jane Brandow; and many family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Freddie Melton Brandow, his mother, Majorie Lenore (Hiatt) Brandow and his brother Martin Thomas Brandow.
Richard’s words to the world in his final days were: “Show God’s love through benevolence. Do something. Don’t just talk about it. Benevolence reveals the heart.”
A memorial service will take place at a future date, to be announced. If you would like to receive notification of the service’s date and time, please email Jan Brandow at brandowjan@gmail.com.
Friends ,Overland Park ,Kansas
Dear Jan and Family, Even though we knew Richard for a short time, we enjoyed his presence. He did, indeed, love to talk and we listened with interest. With all of his accomplishments, he did a world of good in his lifetime for those for whom he cared and those who needed his wisdom and knowledge. Richard will be greatly missed. Prayers are flowing for you and your family. In Christian love, Harold and Eileen Benskin
Friend ,KANSAS CITY ,Missouri
I’m so sorry to read this. I have known Richard for years through CFS and Heartland Church of Christ. He was a great person, always had a smile for everyone. My condolences to you and your family.
Friend ,Searcy ,Arkansas
I have known and loved Richard for 45 years. Since hearing about his passing, I have had a great joy in my heart for him.I never knew of anyone that wanted to ho to heaven more than he did. I know he was overcome with total peace and love seeing for the first time what he dreamed of. I know it has been total delight for him since he arrived. Good for you Richard and I’ll see you on the other side.
Friend ,Kansas City ,Missouri
I was surprised to learn that Richard has recently passed on to be with the Lord. He became a friend when I worked in the office years ago at Gladstone and then Heartland Church of Christ. Richard served clients of Christian Family Services from our building. I always enjoyed our conversations on many topics. I knew him as a deep thinker, a kind and gentle man of strong ethics, always protecting his clients’ privacy. It was obvious that he loved his family deeply as he spoke glowingly of you often. I remember him fondly. Please accept my deepest sympathy in your loss.
