Richard Epstein

Richard Epstein of Prairie Village, KS passed away on Friday, May 11, 2007. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Sunday, May 13, at the New Reform Temple, 7100 Main, Kansas City, MO. Burial follows at Rose Hill Cemetery. Richard was a lifelong area resident, graduating from Westport High School. He attended the University of Oklahoma at which time he became interested in the Great Books program, and upon graduation returned to Kansas City, where he helped start the program here, acting as a leader for many years. He served in the U.S. Army during WWII, on the personal staff of General Dwight Eisenhower. After the war, he attended law school at the University of Kansas City, where he was Law Review Editor and graduated at the age of 22. While practicing law he joined the Air Force Reserve where he served for eight years. He practiced law in Missouri and Kansas, and was admitted to serve before The United States Supreme Court in Washington, D.C. in 1956. He was a 50-year member of Phi Alpha Delta law fraternity and the Missouri and Kansas Bar. Always interested in politics, he served on the Prairie Village city council and was the Democratic County Committeeman. He taught government and social studies in schools as a volunteer. Dick had a lifelong interest in theater and music. He supported the Metropolitan Opera, the Missouri Repertory Theater, the Nelson Art Gallery and the Museum of Modern Art. He also supported the Lyric Opera and many other civic organizations. With an interest in helping others, Dick became interested in B'nai B'rith and served as president of Lodge 184. He also supported the Red Cross, giving blood and Harvesters. Through the years, Dick served on many boards, and was known for his honesty, principles, and integrity. He was president of Lloyd Realty Company, Lloyd Builders and Republic Investment Company. With an interest in the environment, he belonged to Greenpeace, the Sierra Club and Public Citizen. Known for his ready smile and wonderful sense of humor, Dick had an optimistic view on life and was a friend to all who met him. He was a devoted father, always proud of his family. He leaves a rich legacy of love, caring, honor and decency. Dick is survived by his wife of 50 years, Harriet, and his children: Hal and his wife Carol of Washington, D.C.; daughter Susan Leonard and her husband Paul of Washington, D.C.; and son David of New York City. He leaves four grandchildren: Anne and Jeremy Epstein, and Allison and Nicholas Leonard. He is survived also by his late brother's wife, Betty Lou and brother-in-law Stanley Bodker and his wife Barbara. There are many nieces and nephews. The family is grateful to the two devoted caregivers, Elsie Pierce and Lyde Doston, and the staff of Village Shalom. In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions in Dick's memory to Village Shalom, 5500 W. 123rd St., Overland Park, KS 66209. the Alzheimer's Association, 3846 W. 75th St., Prairie Village, KS 66208, or a charity of the donor's choice. Guest book is available at www.louismemorialchapel.com. (Arr.: The Louis Memorial Chapel, 816-3615211).