Richard L. Clark

Richard Lee Clark, age 75, passed away peacefully at his home on June 7, 2025, leaving behind a lifetime of memories, laughter, and a legacy built on love for his family, friends, and community. Born in Hoisington, Kansas, on August 18, 1949, he was the son of Junior and Margaret Clark and little brother to sisters, Delpha Mae and Wanda Lee. Once his family relocated to the Kansas City area, the stage was set for a life filled with adventures, lifelong relationships, and a passion for many things close to his heart.
Richard attended E. C. Meservy School, where, as a surprise to no one, he served on the School Safety Patrol. He then moved on to Southeast Junior High and Southeast High School, from which he graduated in 1967. From his school days, he carried on many lifelong relationships that continued to be special to him even in his final days. In his younger days, he was an avid hunter, usually alongside his Dad. The pair would frequently travel to Nebraska to go pheasant hunting, or go to the family farm in Milan, MO to go deer hunting. He also played baseball at all ages, with his primary position being catcher. His baseball activities were often for sponsored little leagues, but he also recalled fondly his days of neighborhood sandlot baseball as well as great memories coaching little league with his Dad.
He began his railroad career on August 29, 1967 at the ripe-old-age of 18. He signed on with the Missouri Pacific Railroad (MOPAC), which after the MOPAC merger in 1982 led him to the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR). Over the years, he worked as a machinist, lead mechanic, machinist classroom instructor and safety coordinator foreman general. During his 43-year tenure, he formed bonds with co-workers who became close, lifelong friends. He retired from the Union Pacific on August 30, 2010 but his impact remains even today, as was evident from the outpouring of love and support for him from railroad colleagues during his final days.
Not only was railroading his career, it was his hobby as well. As a young man, he chased trains all over the state, often hanging out of his Blazer with his enormous camcorder to capture the action. In recent years, he frequented locations throughout Kansas City where trains would pass through. He would simply sit quietly and enjoy the sight of the trains rolling by. In addition to the diesel locomotives that he knew so well, he had a deep love and appreciation for steam engines. Enough so, that he became friends with the men who run the Union Pacific Steam Program. In the early 2000's he was able to arrange for his Dad to ride the 3985 "Challenger" steam engine and just a few years later, he was able to secure his own ride aboard the "Living Legend" 844. More recently, he was grateful for the opportunity to see the 4014 "Big Boy" as it steamed through Kansas City.
Another passion of Richard's was off-roading and traveling the open road. In the 70s and 80s, he was an active member of the Kansas City 4-Wheel Drive Club, where you guessed it – he made lifelong friends. His beloved 1969 Chevy Blazer and 1967 Jeep CJ5 were the first vehicles to take him on countless adventures. Later in life, his Jeep Cherokee provided a slightly more comfortable ride as he continued to explore the country on his solo road trips. Some of his most cherished memories included traveling with friends to Little Sahara, Las Vegas for the Mint 400, the World's Fair in 1982, and numerous camping and off-roading trips throughout the years. In his later years, Richard embraced his love of travel, purchasing an RV that he lovingly called his "bus". He enjoyed traveling solo to places like Colorado and Texas, relished trips across the southwestern United States and even explored the Great Lakes for a time.
Richard gave his life to the Lord in 1982 in the front yard of his home when Pastor David Baker came to visit him. He promptly joined the First Baptist Church of Belton and faithfully served the congregation for many years. He led the Sunday school ministry, picked up kids for "Bus Ministry", and served as Chairman of the Deacons from 1989 to 1992. He also played a key role in the church's growth, helping build the "new" building in the mid-80s alongside many lifelong friends. He was known for his faith, generosity, and love for serving the church. He also participated in the annual Passion Play where he portrayed the disciple Peter, and helped build the set each year.
Becoming a father in January 1979 was one of the proudest moments of Richard's life. Despite working a third shift job, he would often arrive home overnight to greet his daughter, Stephanie, with a smile and love that knew no bounds. He treasured their time together whether it was taking her to doctor appointments, taking her to see movies that were painfully boring for an adult man (but good napping opportunities!), taking her 4-wheeling, teaching her to drive his Jeep, or sharing their mutual love of the Kansas City Royals. He was always Stephanie's biggest supporter, attending nearly all of her basketball games whether near or far, and driving the bus on numerous extracurricular trips. Richard was thrilled to welcome his son-in-law, Andy, to the family in 2006; he loved Andy like his own son and enjoyed seeing the pair navigate life together.
Richard was ecstatic when he found out he was going to be a Grandpa. When Ben arrived on a snowy January day, he was there all day, awaiting the newest addition to his family. As Ben grew older, the pair enjoyed going to the park or movies, watching trains, hanging out on snow days or getting treats at Sonic. He enjoyed hearing of Ben's adventures and was endlessly proud of the young man that Ben is becoming.
As you can tell from reading about his life, one of Richard's most notable qualities was his ability to make friends wherever he went. He never met a stranger and loved engaging with people, telling stories, and sharing in the joy of friendship. His numerous lifelong friendships were a testament to the kind of man he was – kind-hearted, open, always ready with a helping hand, a smile, a funny story or a memorable moment. His trademark dimpled grin will not be forgotten, nor his immense joy of making people laugh.
Richard is survived by his daughter, Stephanie, son-in-law, Andy and grandson, Ben, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, and countless friends.
He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Junior and Margie Clark; his sisters, Wanda Romi, and Delpha Spalding; his brother-in-law, Stanley Romi and many other loved ones.
We wish to extend our heartfelt gratitude to his care team from Bearing Light Home Care and Novus LifeCare Hospice, without whom his final wishes of being at home would not have been possible. The love, care, compassion and sacrifice of this team, for both Richard and Stephanie allowed them the security of knowing he was well cared for, and gave them the opportunity to spend this valuable time together.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Faulkner's Ranch, 10600 Raytown Road, KCMO 64134 on July 12, 2025 from 10:00AM to 1:30PM. A brief service will take place at 11:00 and guests are invited to share memories of Richard as well. Light appetizers will be served; please, come as you are.
In lieu of flowers, Richard requested that donations be made to Heartland Christian School (810 S. Cedar, Belton, MO 64012, or hfministries.org).
Richard will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his spirit, generosity, and love for life will live on in the hearts of those he touched.
Steam on, Dad. We love you.