Richard Ray GrisierYates Center, KS

Richard Ray Grisier (75) of Yates Center, Kansas passed away on the night of September 11, 2024 and went peacefully to the Lord.

He was born March 28, 1949 in Yates Center, Kansas to Robert and Alice Grisier.  He was the oldest of five children.  He graduated from Yates Center High School in 1967.  After high school, he went to Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas to receive an associate’s degree in Auto Mechanic Vocational School.  He then enlisted into the US Air Force in December of 1969 and completed USAP Technical Aircraft and Engine Maintenance School at Sheppard Field, TX.

Richard served eight years as an Aircraft Mechanic.  He served time at George Air Force Base (AFB) in California with the 434th Wing, then was sent to Kunson AFB in Korea with the 35th Wing, and later to Danang AFB in Vietnam with the 366th Wing.  He re-enlisted for another four years serving time in Laredo, TX AFB, Korat AFB in Thailand with the 388th Wing and in Nellis, Nevada AFB with the 57th Wing.  His plane was the F-4 E Phantom.

Richard continued to be active in the Air Force National Guard in Topeka, Kansas.  He was with the 190th Unit, KC 135 E air refueling plane.  Richard finished 22 years with US Air Force and was honorably discharged in January 1991. In combat, Richard held the rank of Staff Sergeant while in Guard, he was promoted to Technical Sergeant. He enjoyed conducting line maintenance checks on his plane he was assigned to where they were able to fly to numerous countries around the world.

In 1981, Richard came back to the farm to go into partnership with his father Robert and brother Joe.  When Robert retired in 1985, brother Rodney came into the partnership of Grisier Farms.  On November 28, 1981 Richard married Linda Kay Coltrane and they had two children, Mark Ray Grisier and Jessica Kay Grisier.

Over the years, Richard served on many Woodson County boards to promote small or agriculture businesses.  He was a life-long member of the New York Valley Church in Yates Center, Kansas.

Although most of Richard’ time was spent farming, his top priority was family.  He was patient and kind when passing on timeless knowledge to his children, nephews and grandchildren, so he would not have to teach it to them again.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Alice Grisier.

He leaves his wife, Linda, of 42 years; his children Mark (Becky) Grisier and Jessica (Nick) Leis both of Yates Center, Kansas, his grandchildren Charlotte and Timbir Grisier and anticipated Baby Leis. His siblings, Joe (Karen) Grisier of Yates Center, Kansas, George (Sharon) Grisier of Gas, Kansas, Rodney Grisier of Yates Center, Kansas and Marcia (Vance) Burns of Clearwater, Kansas.  As well as numerous nieces and nephews.

The family is planning the visitation Friday, September 20, 2024 at New York Valley Church from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.  Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at New York Valley Church followed by a burial at Kalida cemetery in Yates Center, Kansas.

The family suggest any memorial contributions to be made to the Richard Grisier Memorial Scholarship.  These may be sent in care of Campbell Funeral Home, PO Box 188, Yates Center, KS 66783.