Richard "Dick" Dwayne Pearson
November 21, 2020
Leawood, Kansas - Richard D. Pearson, born April 11, 1935, lost his battle with esophageal cancer on November 21, 2020.
Dick grew up in Lane, Kansas, graduating from Ottawa High School in 1953. He started his college career at Ottawa University, but didn't stay long. He was an American Legion All Star baseball player, which got him noticed by a coach at K-State, and he received a partial scholarship to play first base in the Spring of 1954. The baseball scholarship began a life-long affinity for his alma mater, cheering for the Wildcats the remainder of his life.
Dick was the first in his family to graduate from college, receiving a B.S. in Business in 1959. He began his career with the Gas Service Company's public utility section, and later became a systems analyst for TransWorld Airlines in 1965. Dick ran TWA's overhaul base in Kansas City from 1978 to 1984, was promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer in July 1984, and ultimately President in September 1985. Under his leadership, TWA made many positive changes and dealt with severe adversity, including several terrorist incidents. When interviewed by the Wall Street Journal and asked how he dealt with the stress of the job, he told the interviewer he "didn't deal with stress, he created it." He ultimately resigned from TWA in 1986 after investor Carl Icahn took over TWA. Not one to sit idly by in retirement, Dick joined American Airlines in Dallas as Vice President of Operations, where he served from 1986 until 1993.
Dick and his wife Norma moved back to Kansas City, retiring in Leawood. They loved the arts and supported many charitable causes, enjoying all that Kansas City had to offer with family and friends for the next twenty years. Unfortunately, their daughter Karen Hartley lost her twelve year battle with cancer in 2013, and Norma also passed away from cancer in 2016.
Dick is survived by two nephews, Jeff Pearson (Kim) of Frisco, Texas, and Todd Pearson of Cincinnati, Ohio, as well as two grand nieces, Alexandra and Julia Pearson, both of Frisco, Texas.
Richard will be buried next to Norma and Karen in Johnson County Memorial Gardens. A public graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday on November 28, 2020. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to The TWA Museum, 10 NW Richards Road, Kansas City, MO, 64116 or Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care, 12000 Wornall Road, Kansas City, MO 64145.

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Published by Kansas City Star on Nov. 25, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Pearson

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6 Entries

Ron Hammerle

November 30, 2022

I had the privilege of knowing Dick in both a professional and personal capacity. I first met him when he was in charge of TWA's overhaul base, and I was negotiating to acquire TWA's medical operations. In a company long known for labor-management tension, Dick was someone who, I learned, even labor leaders liked. On many mornings, he could be found, early in the day, drinking coffee with the machinists on the line.
After first securing support from local labor leaders, I met Dick. Not only did he back my efforts to acquire TWA's medical services department, he recommended me to senior management in New York and subsequently supported our expansion of medical services in Kansas City, after my client and a colleague acquired all of TWA's medical services nationwide.
Years later, after he retired from American Airlines, we worked on a couple of medical and real estate deals together and became personal friends.
I still remember two quotes of his, which summarized his management philosophy and his own career:
"95% of workers do the right thing by themselves," and "I would rather be a 'has been' than 'never was.' "

Ron Hammerle
Tampa, Florida

Becky Hills

November 28, 2020

When I was a janitor I had the privilege of cleaning Dick Pearson's office. He lost his wallet and I found it. He rewarded me with a Gold Jet Engine pin, which some Supervisors tried to buy from me. I still have it. Thank you. RIP Dick. You will not be forgotten.

Ted Freese

November 28, 2020

My dad worked at TWA and Dick Pearson was very supportive of him and our family. I remember when my mother and sisters were traveling internationally and someone stole their travel documents that Dick stepped up and got things handled personally. My dad always spoke very highly of this man. Unfortunately I never met him. I am sorry for the loss of a real good guy.

Ralph Richardi

November 27, 2020

Dick was a wise mentor and a most interesting character to know. My career and my life are better for spending many , many hours with him. He treated me like a son and guided me with his experience . He gave me opportunity and support for which I shall always be grateful.

Rob Britton

November 25, 2020

Dick Pearson was a fine man and a true airline expert. I never worked directly with him, but our paths crossed several times at American Airlines. May he rest in peace -- likely he's teaching angels some of the finer points about flight.

November 22, 2020

My condolences to the family . May you find comfort in your treasured memories
and Gods promise to return our loved ones . 1st Thessalonians 4 : 13 & 14 .

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