Richard Allen Hann

Richard Allen Hann, 81, died on September 16, 2021. Richard was born in Maryville, MO on June 20, 1940. He and his twin sister, Katherine, were the youngest of 4 children. From an early age, Richard knew the value of hard work and having fun – traits he carried throughout his life. His first job was delivering the paper to residents of Burlington Junction, MO, a job which he held from grade school through high school. As a young boy, Richard was always looking for a good time, running around town with his friends, being mischievous and living his best life, much to the dismay of his parents. Richard graduated from Burlington Junction High School.

After high school, Richard attended Baker University in Baldwin, KS and graduated in 1962. During his time at Baker, he pledged Zeta Chi fraternity which allowed him to keep up his social life. One day he spotted a pretty girl in town and asked a fraternity brother to set him up on a blind date. One year later, Meredith and Richard got married at the United Methodist church in Baldwin on July 1, 1961 and spent 60 years as husband and wife. In 1968, they adopted their only child, Tracy.

Upon college graduation, Richard secured a management position with Montgomery Ward in their Kansas City, MO warehouse. When given the chance to move into a developing area of the business, Information Systems, he parlayed that move into a successful career in Information Technology. Moving his family from Shawnee, KS to Chicago, IL, Richard remained at Wards for 18 years. After that, he worked for Firestone in Akron, OH, Peter Kiewit Construction in Omaha, NE, SC Johnson Wax in Racine, WI and retired as Vice President of Information Systems at The Bradford Exchange in Niles, IL.

Richard was able to make a difference in the lives of others through his volunteer efforts over the years. He started a citywide girls softball league in Wadsworth, OH, worked with the United Way, served on several committees for The United Methodist Church, delivered food for Meals on Wheels and sat on their board, served as president and board member of the Villas of Alvamar HOA for several years, and was president of PADS, a program for the homeless in the NW Chicago suburbs. In addition, Richard was a Stephen Minister for Lawrence’s First United Methodist Church and called on church members every Monday.

Richard and Meredith retired to Lawrence in 2002 where Richard walked 3 miles every day, a habit he started early in life. Walking allowed him to remain physically fit and the opportunity to visit with neighbors. He rarely missed a day. Richard was known in all circles to be the nicest of men, a reputation confirmed in his final stages of life at Brandon Woods and Bridge Haven Assisted Living where he would regularly socialize with fellow residents and staff.

Richard is survived by his wife, Meredith McPheeters Hann, daughter Tracy Hann (Germaine Barnes), twin sister Katherine (Bob) Sawyer, sister in-law Dorothy Hann, sister in-law Joanne (Don) Burns, and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ramey and Wilda Hann, sister in-law Donna Jean Egbert Hann and brothers Bill and John Robert Hann.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made through Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044 to The First United Methodist Church, Baker University or Meals on Wheels.

There will be a visitation at the First United Methodist Church, 946 Vermont St in Lawrence, at 1pm followed by a funeral service at 2pm Monday, September 20, 2021

6 Condolences

  1. Jim Potter on September 17, 2021 at 6:18 pm

    Rich was a good friend and a mentor of mine at Montgomery Ward. We met in 1974 when I moved to Chicago with Wards and reported to Rich. He was an honest and fair boss a d helped me develop my career. I remember when Rich and I rode the same train to downtown Chicago. Every morning he would want to know the status of the applications I was responsible for so I had to keep on my toes.
    We stayed friends after he left Wards and visited he and Meredith in their homes where he worked. Rich was a great guy and I will miss him much.
    Rich, RIP!



  2. Kathie Potter-Brown on September 17, 2021 at 7:27 pm

    Meredeth & Tracy-My heart breaks for you at the loss of Richard. The memories we have of our years together in Chicago-from having you over for our first dinner, to our pool party for Rich’s 40th, the super bowls we spent together watching my Vikings get creamed by your Chiefs. Jumping on the pogo stick in your garage-watching our children grow up. Even though I hadn’t seen you-I knew you were never far from my thoughts or heart. Rich’s visit to us in Saratoga was unique and so much fun. From the “tiny sausage” to pulling down the shower curtain! 🙂 You and Richard were never looked at as Jim’s boss and his wife-you were always just our great friends! Still are and always will be! He will be missed, but he will live on in my heart forever!



  3. Larry Bensch on September 18, 2021 at 10:38 pm

    Meredith–So sorry for your loss. Richard was a fine gentleman. My contact with Richard was mainly at church and he was always very friendly with a big smile. He will be missed.



  4. Juli Manke on September 19, 2021 at 11:09 am

    Mrs. Hann and Tracy, The Mankes are sending you love and hugs during this difficult time. Mr. Hann was a kind, wise and generous father-figure to me. I feel so fortunate to have spent time with him, hearing his wisdom. One of my favorites that I am sharing with our young drivers is “a blinker is just an intention”. So true! And so helpful. He was witty (where Tracy got it) and so genuine. I have few male figures in my life that took a true interest in knowing me. I miss him. Love, Juli



  5. Tina Nieri on September 19, 2021 at 7:33 pm

    To Mrs. Hann and my dear friend Tracy, I feel so very grateful having met Tracy. I was not surprised at all, that upon meeting her parents, I felt like I’d known them a lifetime. Two of the kindest most genuine people I have ever met.
    I count myself lucky; I was in the right place at the right time to join the equanimous Mr. Richard Hann on one of his 3 mile walks. He walked at a fast clip-with purpose and certainty-but flashed that broad smile and laughed at my joke-without missing a step. He sure was a special human being. During this very difficult time, I send you both so much love.
    Please accept my deepest sympathies.
    Tina



  6. Leon Randel on September 22, 2021 at 7:36 am

    Meredith-Thinking of you at this troubling time. I was in Colorado at the time of Richards funeral is why I couldn’t attend.



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