Richard Dudley Obituary
Dick Dudley was born in Falls City, NE on July 3, 1938, to Russell and Hazel (Franks) Dudley. He passed away quietly at home on January 6, 2026.
Dick grew up in Macon and Excello, MO. He attended Macon High School and graduated in 1956. He attended Hardin Simmons University and graduated in 1961.He was a 1st LT in the Idaho National Guard for 7 years.
He taught driver's education in Wise River, MT for 5 years and during the summer he worked for the U S Forest Service in the Fire Program, where he later got a permanent position in the Fire Program for approximately for 50 years, first as a regular employee and then as a casual hire (call when needed employee) after he retired he continued to work with many fire teams in Idaho and Montana as a fire dispatcher and rose to an Air Operations Branch Director. He was well thought of all over the United States.
He met his wife, LaVon, when they were both on fire assignments in Tallahassee, FL in 2001. They married November 30, 2002, she survives of the home.
He is also survived by his sister, Ann (Dan) Medlin, Alba, TX, his sons, Russell (Valeria) Dudley, Princeton, ID, and Cliff (Arlene) Dudley, Granada, British Isles. His bonus sons, Rod (Tracy) Burghart, Blue Springs, MO, Chris (Staci) Schroeder and Jerry Kraemer all of Junction City, KS; his grandson, Tristen Dudley, Pullman, WA, his bonus grandchildren, Haley (AJ) Hunter, Silverstreet, SC, Alexis Kraemer (Dee Jay Fullwood) and Matthew Kraemer, all of Junction City, KS; Makensey Burghart (Ethan Balogh), Independence, two bonus great-grandsons, Jeremiah Fullwood of Junction City, KS, and Anthony Hunter, Jr., Silverstreet, SC, three nephews and their families.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his daughter, Sara Lynn Dudley.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 am, January 30, 2026, with Pastor John Fries at the St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 9719 Clark's Creek Road, Junction City, KS. Cremation has taken place, and inurnment will be at a later date in Montana.
Memorial Contributions have been designated to St. Paul's Lutheran Cemetery, in care of Johnson and Mass-Hinitt Funeral Home.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
203 North Washington St, Junction City, KS 66441
People and places connected with Richard
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Dudley
Make a Donation
in Richard Dudley's name
How to support Richard's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Richard Dudley's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
