Richard Eugene Homan, 93, of Holton, KS, passed away Thursday November 12, 2020 at Medicalodge Jackson County. He was born May 8, 1927 in Peabody, KS, the son of Franklin and Goldie (Suffield) Homan.

Richard graduated from Peabody High School in 1945. He proudly served in the United States Navy during World War II.

He worked as a mill worker, worked construction for Welliever Construction and was a farmer and stockman. He owned and operated Montgomery Ward retail store with his wife, Billie Jean. Richard was also very involved with the building of the elevators at Jackson County Coop and would help with the “books” late of an evening at Holton Livestock Exchange while building their own home.

Richard was a member of the Holton V.F.W. Post 1367 and Holton American Legion Post 44.  

He married Billie Jean Hargett on June 29, 1947 in Peabody, KS. They celebrated over 72 years of marriage before her passing on November 19, 2019. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Betty Fisher.

Survivors include his 3 children, Vicki Justice (Melvin) of Holton, KS, Richard “Rick” Homan (Kathy), of Grove, OK and Kathleen Bergquist (Robert) of Olathe, KS; 7 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Graveside Service with Military Honors will be 1:00 p.m. Thursday, November 19, 2020 at the Holton Cemetery. Richard will lie in state at Mercer Funeral Home beginning Monday afternoon, November 16, 2020. Memorials may be given to Medicalodge Jackson County c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.

In the critical situation we all are in, a few family members would like to share some memories of their dad/grandpa.  From Toni Bergquist - “He always shared his garden items with family & friends and made sure every year that he planted his garden with wildflowers to take home to grandma.  I will always close my eyes and picture grandpa sitting under the front of the RV, in his old plastic chair, tomato beer in hand, plaid short sleeved shirt unbuttoned and jean shorts on. I remember watching them dance and being in awe of how amazing they were, even in their 80s.”  From Kathy Homan Bergquist - “He was such a good, decent, hard-working, honest man, great husband, dad and grandpa!” From Vicki Justice - “He loved to fish. He and mom would take pride in who caught the most or the biggest.  From Rob Bergquist - "I have so many great memories of Grandpa and all of our fishing adventures and card playing we did."  From Allison Justice - "He's the first person I ever saw with a tattoo, which he got in the Navy and I still cannot believe I didn't rub it off his arm.”