1936-2025
Richard J. "Dick" Schneider, 89, of Parkerfield, Kansas, passed away peacefully at his home on November 16, 2025.
Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Friday, November 21, 2025 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, with military honors following at the Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery in Winfield, KS. The Rosary will be prayed at 7:00 P.M. on Thursday, November 20. Memorial contributions may be made to the Sacred Heart Catholic School, and to the Early Bird Lions Club for Sight. Donations may be left in the care of the Shelley Family Funeral Home of Arkansas City.
Born in Loretto, Minnesota, Dick graduated from St. Michael's Catholic High School and served Honorably in the United States Armed Forces (US Army Reserves and Active Duty USAF) from 1954 to 1957 with stations in Michigan, Korea and Illinois. He later earned a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Minnesota, with a minor in geology. He married his beloved wife, MaryAnn, on April 26, 1958, and together they raised six children in a home filled with love and shared experiences. Dick built a distinguished career in packaging and manufacturing, starting at Greif Corporation in 1964 first in Minnesota and later moving the family to Kansas in 1972 to work out of the company’s Strother Field operation until his retirement in 2001. A passionate genealogist, Dick authored the book "Connor/Conner Cousins" in 1990, chronicling his mother's family history, which led to his membership in the Sons of the American Revolution. His work in genealogy helped many trace their own ancestry. He was a dedicated volunteer throughout his adult life, holding leadership roles including District Deputy and Grand Knight in the Knights of Columbus; President of the Early Birds Lions Club; state leadership positions in Babe Ruth Baseball; and as an early officer in the Ark City Takedown Club. Passionate about serving his community, Dick was also active in local politics, including serving as chairman of the Cowley County Republican Party in the 1980s. Over the years he enjoyed many personal interests that he shared with his children including a love of trains, stamp collecting, camping, reading Science Fiction, rock hunting, bird watching, genealogy and his deep Catholic faith. Dick and MaryAnn are longtime parishioners of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Arkansas City.
Richard was preceded in death by his father, Ralph, his mother Rita, his sisters, Sister Rita Marie, Helen, Dorothy, his brother, James, and great grandson Justin.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, MaryAnn Schneider; his six children, Laura Hankins (widow of Milton), Tama Barfield (Jonathan), Amy Lawson (Douglas), Mark Schneider (Jacqueline), Ann Bono (Joseph), and David Schneider (Cecilia); his sisters, Catherine and Corinne; his brother, Raymond; and 15 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren.
