Kansas City, Missouri
Donald Vincent "Doc" Ritchie, Sr., 85, Kansas City, Mo., passed away on Friday, November 21, 2008, at Menorah Medical Center. Visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m. Monday, November 24, at the Muehlebach Funeral Home, 6800 Troost Ave., Kansas City, Mo., where the rosary will be prayed at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian burial will be 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, November 25, at St. Elizabeth Church, 2 E. 75th St., Kansas City, Mo. Interment will be at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the American Parkinson Disease Association, 660 S. Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110, or the National Kidney Foundation, 6405 Metcalf Ave., Suite 204, Overland Park, KS 66202. Doc was born in St. Louis, Mo., on September 7, 1923. He graduated from William Cullen McBride High School in 1943, where he was a three-time state champion in track and field in the mile. Doc was one of seven brothers who served in WW II or Korea and returned safely home. After serving in the U.S. Navy, the family moved to Kansas City. He was a graduate of Rockhurst College and attended Avila College. He was a baseball, football, and basketball official in the Kansas City area for 30 plus years. He was a teacher for many years at various parochial and public schools throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area, including St. Mary's High School in Independence, Mo. He coached football and track and field at St. Mary's, where he took them to the 1971 Missouri State 1A track and field championship. Doc was an avid golfer from age 13 through his 80s. He worked for the City of Kansas City managing area golf courses for over 20 years. He loved life, golf, and coaching and will be sadly missed by his family and friends. Donald was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Francis, Mike, Jack, Paul, Joe and Jerry, and a sister, Betty Hornstra. Survivors include his daughter, Diane Ritchie, of the home; his son and daughter-in-law, Donald Jr. and Laurie Ritchie, Kansas City, Mo.; many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. Arrangements: Muehlebach Funeral Home, 6800 Troost, Kansas City, Mo., (816) 444-2060. Published in the Kansas City Star online guest book.
Read MoreDi,
Take Comfort in knowing that now you have a special Guardian Angel to watch over you, and its Doc. I will miss him.
DeAnna Boose
December 05, 2008 | Raytown, MO
The Doc will be truly missed. He always gave me free rounds of golf when he worked at the Blue River Golf Course, and I also remember watching him ref basketball games at Avila. He was a good man, and I was truly grateful to know him. He is now in heaven with my Father, and they are both watching over all of us.
Tim Waris
November 30, 2008 | Lee's Summit, MO
Dear Diane and Donnie, I am so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. As you know, I have so many memories of him. He was the kindest, gentilest man ever and always had a smile on his face. I truly loved him and can still see him running on the field or court. He and Bill had a great relationship. I know they are at peace, probably playing golf or maybe arguing about some of those calls your dad made. Know that I and my family extend our deepest sympathy. Patty Waris
Patty Waris
November 24, 2008 | Kansas City, MO
You don't know me but I knew and I remember your dad, he coached me in basketball back in the 50's at a small high school in Cleveland, Mo. He was a wonderful coach and a very nice man, sounds like he had a very fullfilling life, he will always be a fond memory of my youth. My maiden name was Jacobs.
Beverly Aksamit
November 24, 2008 | Cleveland, MO
Dianne and Donnie,
My thoughts and prayers are with you tonight for my dear old buddy "Doc". The stories and laughs are endless with him and our gang. I officiated my 1st BB game with Doc almost 40 yrs ago to the day. Doc brought joy to the hearts of many in his life. I know he is playing the "fairways of heaven " today.
Paddy Meagher
November 23, 2008 | Overland Park, KS
Diane, I remember your dad's wonderful smile! He was always fun to be around. I remember the days back when he refereed our basketball games at St Pius X and I told everyone he was my cousin. I'm so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers.
suzanne kaley (exposito)
November 23, 2008 | Northville, MI
Dianne and Donnie,
The Ritchie Family of Winter Haven, Florida feels the loss of Uncle Doc. We will always miss him; but, know that he and his siblings(our parents) will live on, within us all.
Frank, Helen, and Susan Ritchie
Frank Ritchie
November 23, 2008 | Winter Haven, FL
Diane and Donnie,
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your Father, Doc. He was a good and accomplished man. He will surely be a 'favorite' referee in Heaven! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Barb Emanuel & Bill Livingston Family
November 23, 2008 | Lee's Summit, MO
Dear Diane and Donnie,
The first time I met Doc was in 1966 where he was calling balls and strikes at Rockhurst College. I came to the plate and he said to me: "News, there is a reason you are bringing that lumber to the plate. I'm calling them all strikes until you swing." The last time was at my son's funeral in Sept. As sick as he was he made it there. For 42 years of officiating, golfing, and having cocktails we had a good time together. I will dearly miss him and my one hope is...
Jerry Anselmo
November 23, 2008 | Kansas City, MO
