Richard Gavin Honan

October 14, 1935 - March 22, 2025

Kansas City, Missouri -

Dick Honan was born in Omaha, Nebraska to John Francis Honan and Elizabeth Lucile O'Rourke as the youngest of four children. He moved to Kansas City, MO, at the age of two where he attended Our Lady of Good Counsel, Rockhurst High School and graduated from Pembroke Country Day in 1953. He was a member of Phi Kappa Psi at the University of Kansas and graduated with a B.A. in History in 1957.

Dick served in the Marine Corps at Quantico, VA from 1957-1958. He returned to Kansas City where he became a resilient entrepreneur and founded several companies including Honan Sales Co, General Education and Training and American Trailer and Storage (AT&S). In order to support and grow his industry, Dick founded the National Portable Storage Association, which currently consists of over 700 member companies.

In 1970, Dick married Kathleen Strayer, who, in his often-repeated words, was "the best thing that ever happened" to him. Together they raised five children. A highlight of his career was working alongside his eldest son, Rick, who eventually became the President of AT&S. Dick and his family were long-time members of the Visitation Parish and his faith was an integral part of his life.

As an avid sportsman, Dick was a champion handball and tennis player, as well as a skilled golfer. As a young man, Dick earned a pilot's license and flew his plane to Mexico and Ecuador. He enjoyed a horseback-riding trip through Hungary and Austria. His enthusiasm for adventure continued throughout his marriage.He and his wife travelled extensively around the world to places such as Nepal, Australia, Ireland, Israel, Japan and South Africa. One of his favorite activities was bird-hunting with his dogs, friends and family. The Honan family treasures memories of winter ski trips to Colorado, summer fishing adventures in Minnesota, festive holiday gatherings and annual gin rummy tournaments.

Dick loved his Kansas City community and thrived on building relationships. He cherished the friendships he made as a BOTAR escort and at Kansas City Club business luncheons and Wise Owl Investment meetings. He was the recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow award from Rotary Club 13. Dick sponsored the Urban Rangers, was a mentor for Big Brothers Big Sisters and a passionate fan of the Royals, Chiefs, Jayhawks and his own kids' sporting events.

With a vivacious personality and a boisterous sense of humor, Dick's commanding presence could light up any room. He put his family above all else and instilled his passion for life and adventure in his children and grandchildren. He was grateful for his blessings and was guided by his devout Catholic faith.

Dick is survived by his wife, Kathy, of 55 years. Their eldest son Rick (Richard Gavin Honan II) passed away in 2017. Dickis survived by his four children: Gregory Honan, Julie Johnston (husband, Kevin), Eileen DeVaney (husband, Scott), and Christine Simpson (husband, Eric). He was blessed with 11 beautiful grandchildren: Gavin and Suzie Honan, Brecklyn, Balianna and Morrison Honan, Venice and Viviana Johnston, Ozzie and Seren DeVaney and Thorsten and Lucy Simpson.

Dick is also survived by his daughter-in-law Kourtney Honan, sister-in-law Jean Honan, brother-in-law Jay Strayer (wife, Kay), sisters-in-law Suzanne Siverson (husband, Randolph), Joan Asher (husband, Kennett) and Marilyn Durwood; his cousin Rozzie Motter and many other cousins, nieces and nephews.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, John Francis Honan and Elizabeth Lucile O'Rourke, his brothers John Honan (wife, Betty) and William Honan, sister Gloria Acker (husband, Chris), sister-in-law Barbara Strayer and brother-in-law Michael Strayer.

The funeral service will be held Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Visitation Catholic Church 5141 Main St., Kansas City, MO 64112. A visitation will begin at 10:00 am followed by the Mass at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests contributions in honor of Dick to Visitation Parish or a charity of your choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Kansas City Star from Mar. 28 to Mar. 30, 2025.