Richard James Escareno

Richard James "Richie" Escareno of Madison, passed away on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka, at the age of 66.

He was born on March 4, 1959, in Eureka, the son of Edward Gabriel and Moetta Lee (Herren) Escareno. He was raised and lived most of his life in Eureka, graduating from Eureka High School with the Class of 1977. He worked in the oil field industry for many years before going to work for Greenwood County and moving to Madison. He worked for the county until his retirement in 2020. In retirement, he loved to do woodworking and gardening and spend time with his grandkids and family.

On October 9, 1993, he was united in marriage to Debra Ann Lamb in Eureka.

Richie was known for his fun personality, easy nature, and his ability to talk with anyone and make them his friend. He was the ‘fununcle’ to all his nieces and nephews, with his funny stories, practical jokes, and fun-loving spirit. If asked, they would be able to share many stories of his adventures.

He is survived by his wife, Debra, of the home; four siblings: Teresa Escareno and partner, Conrad Veale of Eureka; Kathy Neel of Eureka; Roberta and husband, Ron Hawthorne of Eureka; and Tom Escareno of Madison; stepdaughter, Kimberly and husband, Jon Stewart; mother-in-law, Alice Lamb; and sisters-in-law: Marcia Escareno; Carla and husband, Leonard Crane; and Brenda and husband, John Eddings; and a large number of grandchildren, nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his mother, Moetta; father and stepmother, Ed and Janice Escareno; two siblings, John and Lucy Escareno; niece, Cindy Houston; and father-in-law, Carl Lamb.

Cremation has been effected and a celebration of life will be held from 10:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M., Saturday, September 27, 2025, at the Eureka Downs Turf Room. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Greenwood County Wild Kansas Association or to the Greenwood County All Veterans Memorial. Contributions may be sent in care of Koup Family Funeral Home, PO Box 595, Eureka KS 67045, which is overseeing arrangements. Condolences may be left for the family online at koupfunerals.com.