Richard Lynn Dedrick

Richard Lynn Dedrick, age 63, of Paola, Kansas, (Hillsdale Community) died unexpectedly December 5, 2019. Richard was born October 20, 1956 at Paola, Kansas, the son of Harold F. and Shirley (Dicke) Dedrick. Richard was the third of their five sons. He grew up in Miami County and graduated from Paola High School with the Class of 1974. Richard attended Fort Scott Community College and earned a degree in nursing. He worked for the Life Care Center in Osawatomie as well as several other nursing facilities in Miami and Johnson Counties. His career change took him into the construction field where he fulfilled his passion for building. He had also worked in the oil fields for several years as well. Richard and Carol Brophy met in 1996 and got to know each other over several cups of coffee they had while Girl Scout meetings were being held. They enjoyed 24 years together raising four girls and keeping track of their many activities. His family was everything to him. Richard loved coaching and attending his daughters' sporting events and was particularly passionate about girls' softball. He loved cooking and baking for others. He was great at gardening, a skill he had obtained from his mother. Richard was very well known in the community and couldn't make a trip to Walmart without visiting with several friends. He loved decorating his yard for the holidays. He took pride in how much his family and neighbors enjoyed his Halloween and Christmas yard displays. He loved animals, especially his canine companions and had several through the years. His biggest joy in life was being a "Papa." He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother Harold Jr., and step-father Dan Wilson. He is survived by his wife Carol of the home; daughters Hilary Dedrick of Fort Pierce, Florida, Kelsey Brophy of Prairie Village, Jenna Stackhouse of Prairie Village, and Alyssa Larson of the home; 5 grandchildren; four brothers Billy Dedrick of Somerset, Rusty Dedrick of rural Kincaid, and Joe Dedrick of Olathe; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Friends and family are encouraged to post their memories and condolences on Richard's Tribute Wall.