Richard C. Lemmon

Richard Charles Lemmon, (known as "Buster" to some, and referred to as "Mad Dog" by others), 75, of Pittsburg, KS, passed away at home, with his wife at his side.
As Richard had arranged for his body to be donated to science, no service is immediately planned. When his cremains are returned, Brenner Mortuary of Pittsburg, Kansas will coordinate services. Following a committal service at the graveside, including rendering military honors, inurnment will take place at the Mount Muncie Cemetery, Lansing, Kansas.
Richard was born in Pittsburg, Kansas, on 31 January 1950, to William Grammer Lemmon and Anita (Morris) Lemmon. Though Crawford County was once the leading coal-producing county in Kansas, the sharp decline in coal production in the 1930's continued into the 40's and 50's. The decline impacted the aggregate community, and this took the family to Kansas City, Kansas. Richard was 4 years of age at that time.
He attended Morse Elementary School, Stony Point South Elementary School, and Arrowhead Junior High School. As a child, Richard seemed to have a natural talent as a pianist. He continued to play in his teens and organized his first band at age 13. By age 16 he had made a name for himself. At that time, the Four Tops vocal quartet was scheduled to perform at the Tee Pee in Lawrence, Kansas. The group's repertoire included elements of jazz, R & B, show tunes, and soul. As things happen, the group found themselves calling the Kansas City Musicians' Union, looking for a keyboard player for "the weekend." The union representative gave the desperate performers Richard's name, acknowledging that he was "young, but talented and close." Richard played at the venue and did quite well. In fact, the group then paid a visit to the meager Lemmon family's home and asked his parents if Richard could go on the road. They would make provisions for his education. "Mom said, 'No.'"
Richard attended Washington High School, in Kansas City, Kansas. For two years, he had his own television show called "The Happening." However, he lost his thoughts of his friends, and his music, when he read and watched the news about the conflict escalation underway in Vietnam. Richard felt that he needed to do his part. Following his military family legacy, Richard went to the local recruiter to join the military. Because he was not yet 18, the recruiter issued him papers for his parents to sign. Richard left the papers on the kitchen table, or so he thought, and went to bed. The following morning, the papers were missing. When Richard returned to the recruiter, to get more copies, Richard was advised that indeed, his mother had reviewed the paperwork, then paid the office a visit. She had made it quite clear that he would not be joining the military, not just until he was aged 18, but until he completed high school.
Richard then signed a contract to join the military through the Delayed Entry program. Without an assigned date at the Military Entrance Processing Station, Richard continued with his high school life of friends and music. His band and TV productions earned the band an audition to appear on the Ed Sullivan Show. But, come June 1968, Richard was in white uniform and dress blues with the "Dixie Cup" cover. Richard is a veteran of the Vietnam conflict. He served from 1968 to 1974 in the United States Navy. He was stationed at Naval Air Station Bermuda, servicing and supplying P-3 Orion's in anti-submarine warfare. For his service, he received a commendation for inventory control of equipment involving approximately 4,500 pieces and valued at $13,425,900. This was quite a feat given the circumstances, and the setting. Richard was honorably discharged.
While Richard made a difference while in military uniform, his goal was to continue making a difference in civilian life. This was abruptly interrupted when, at age 27, he was diagnosed with osteochondrosarcoma. After surgery and during his treatments, he was able to complete a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Management degree. He was ever appreciative of the late Dr. James Neff, who was able to "save his leg." This enabled him to work for the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department come 1981. During his early years with the department, he attended Drug Enforcement Administration (D.E.A.) School. During his tenure with the department, he earned multiple honors. These included commendations for capture of an armed suspect; diversion of hostile action; professionalism; and sharpshooter awards. In 1987 and again in 1988, he received recognition for outstanding performance in two separate investigations that resulted in record-breaking numbers, not only within the department but for the state of Kansas. After eleven years with the city, (five of which were in the vice / narcotics division), he retired and moved back to Pittsburg in 1993. Richard's valor was recognized by the American Police Hall of Fame and Museum committee, and he received the Legion of Honor Award.
From 1996 to 2010, Richard founded and operated White Talon Investigations. One special case occurred in early 2000. A female from out-of-state had plans to fly to Kansas City, to meet a certain individual from Kansas. On reconsideration of the situation, this woman called Richard to investigate. The suspicious situation ultimately involved an individual dubbed by some as "the internet's first serial killer." Richard made a recommendation which was likely instrumental in saving the woman's life. Richard forwarded the case to the proper authorities which resulted in NBC's Dateline requesting an interview; subsequently, they put Richard to work. Richard founded the Kansas Association of Licensed Investigators. In 2003, he led a dedicated group of investigators in dialogue, as to the desire and need for a statewide association to represent Kansas licensed investigators. In 2003, the Kansas Association of Licensed Investigators (KALI) awarded Richard a Lifetime Achievement Award. Richard was grateful for the lifetime friendships he established through KALI- namely, with Donna Ingram and Ed McPheeters.
At age 52, Richard was diagnosed with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy. He was ever grateful for the healing hands of Doctors Hussam Farhoud, who kept him off the heart transplant list.
At age 58, Richard was first diagnosed with hypersensitivity pneumonitis. This is a rare interstitial lung disease that can cause a build-up of inflammation and scarring in the lungs, known as pulmonary fibrosis. Researchers believe that Richard's lung disease was triggered by exposure to a pet cockatiel that his 2 youngest children rescued from their back yard. Stanley Livingston Lemmon provided years of entertainment whistling the Andy Griffith Theme Song to family and friends.
Research tells us that the average prognosis of this disease is 3 to 5 years. Richard lived and did his best to thrive another 17 years. He was ever thankful to his providers, Doctors Holly Cranston, James Eaton, Mindi Garner, and Mark Hamblin; to nurse practitioners Christine Conner, Allyson Grimaldi, Janell Reichuber, and McKenzie Turner; to Physician Assistant Gretchen Martin; and to Clinical Research Coordinators Katie Chavez, and Chelsey Aulakh; all, for their encouragement, expertise, and humanity.
The family also acknowledges the many amazing clinical team members who cared for Richard during his many office visits, treatments, tests, and multiple hospitalizations. There were numerous wonderful dietary employees, durable medical equipment personnel – namely Caleb Thomas, emergency medical staff, home health employees, hospice personnel, housekeepers, lab technicians, nurse assistants, nurses, nurses, nurse practitioners, occupational therapists, physical therapists, physicians, physician assistants, radiology technologists, receptionists, respiratory therapists, social service staff, and students of many professions who provided true care and compassion. The family apologizes if we have missed anyone. Many made a difference, but some went out of their way to offer a difference with a special touch. A special thank you goes out to those who went above and beyond in Richard's care over the past year: Danielle Storey, the "other" in-law; his grandchildren Bailey Lemmon, Jeyda Lemmon, Isaiah Lemmon, and Tovy Lemmon; and the "other" grandchild, Jayden Wilderman. The acts of kindness were priceless to Richard.
With a heart for and heritage of the Cherokee people, in 2015, Richard was presented and proudly accepted The Medal of Patriotism and the Warrior Award in appreciation of his military service by the Cherokee Nation. He was also honored as a Cherokee Elder in appreciation of his commitment to the preservation and conservancy of Cherokee customs and heritage by the Principal Chief. Like "The Nation" and most of its people, Richard was a Christian. He was proud to tell of the day he was baptized at Stony Point Christian Church in Kansas City, Kansas.
Richard was known to "keep moving" and "just do something," acknowledging that his choices and actions really did matter. One of Richard's last jobs was at George Nettels Elementary School. He worked in the cafeteria as a "'Lunch Lady.'" He was likely their first and only man to serve in the role and thoroughly enjoyed the job. But his health was such that he could no longer pretend that he didn't need his oxygen, especially when bending down to help the little ones. His last job was employment by NPB Companies, providing security services for the Pittsburg State University Gorillas. He was always afforded Gate 13, so he was not required to climb stairs. When he was no longer able to physically fulfill his duties there, Richard continued to put his oxygen tank on his back, (like scuba gear), and would walk his yard behind a push mower.
Richard loved to "party" with the little ones. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic when the United States was placed under lockdown in March of 2020, on request, he creatively and happily opened the Cedar Crest Prison and Boys Reformatory Home School. These school days were well documented on social media both for advertising, and for the entertainment of Richard's 70-year-old classmates. The laughs and love were immeasurable. One of the classmates subsequently wrote and published a book about "The Man with the Rubber Hose in His Nose." That special friend, the author, was Anita Weaver. Though the facility reached capacity, with others on the wait list, the school permanently closed its doors in August of 2023, due to "lack of funding."
Though with advancing illness, Richard continued to enjoy his yard maintenance. The last summer of his earthly life, he was reduced to purchasing and using a riding mower. Richard strategically affixed his oxygen to the back of the rider and would ride away. When he was well and wasn't working, he enjoyed American history, boating, camping, Coca-Cola, coffee with real cream, computerized and electronic gadgets, Duluth longtail T-shirts, gardening, home maintenance and remodeling, hunting, Italian ice, landscaping, most things marshmallow, motorcycles, mountains, music, Native American history and art, racquetball, roses, suspenders, vodka tonics and screwdrivers, and of course, the yard maintenance.
At the age of 74, Richard suffered a stroke, and just three months later, from sepsis. Another three months later, he was infected with COVID-19. This was followed, in rapid succession, with Flu B, then nosocomial Flu A. The physical and cognitive effects took their toll. Richard passed from this life on 1 May 2025.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents; sister Billie Anita Ames and her husband Mike Ames; granddaughter Vanessa Cornett; and dear friend Jacqueline Petrola.
Richard is survived by his wife of 42 years (counting the 52 days they dated), Dr. Cheryl (Megee) Lemmon (known as "Flo" to some); 5 children: Scott (Dr. Cynthia Scheibe) Lemmon; Rachelle Cole; Stefanie (Brian) Hutcherson; Jeremy Lemmon; and Natalie Lemmon; 11 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren, and another one expected soon; 1 brother; multiple in- laws; numerous nieces and nephews; and countless cousins. Richard also leaves his quasi-little twin sister, and reigning Pie Queen Chelle (Steve) Kurtz (Nixa, MO), and their quasi-younger brother Floyd (Holli) Morasch (Glendale, AZ). The quasi-family will miss Buster at their daily, morning coffee and prayers. Richard also leaves Joe and Deborah Ward, dear friends and out-laws (Kansas City, Kansas). Richard's best-ever, 4-legged friend, Andrew Banks Lemmon, will also be lost without him.
"Dodo" (phonetically pronounced "E-du-da" in Cherokee) will be missed by his grandchildren. There will be no more parties and no more home school at the "School for Wayward Boys." No more taco fiestas with partner Rick (Lisa) Hartzfeld (Galena, KS). No more daily chats with his one hundred plus close high school classmates. No more assemblies on the veranda with friends and neighbors Kay Spencer and Richard Oler. No more sake or sushi with KALI charter members Donna Ingram and Ed McPheeters. No more family feasts with his many in-laws, nieces, and nephews. No more house calls from friends and Dr. Jeanie (Lew) Jobson (Somerset, KY). No more PEEPS from friend and "connection" Kathy Luscombe (Houston, TX). No more breakfasts with friend and history buff Richard Mezan (Weirton, WV). No more confectionery distributions by friend LaShawn (Tracy) Noel, (Pittsburg, KS). No more reminiscing with friend Salvatore Petrola (Longs, SC). No more uplifting emails from friend and author Anita (Alan) Weaver (Pleasant Hill, MO). Until then,
From Isaiah 40:
28 The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.
29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
31 Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Brenner Mortuary, 114 E. 4th St., Pittsburg, KS.
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