Paul "Chiefie" Richards

Paul “Chiefie” Richards, 68, of Louisburg, Kansas, passed away on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at Meadowbrook Rehabilitation South, in Gardner, Kansas.

Celebration of life will be held from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, Saturday, October 5, 2024, at Dengel & Son Mortuary – Louisburg Chapel, 1 Aquatic Drive, Louisburg, Kansas 66053.

Chiefie was born on June 20, 1956, in Paola, Kansas. He was the youngest of three children to William Robert and Adelene Louise (Oberheide) Richards. Chiefie was raised and lived in Louisburg his entire life. He attended school in Louisburg and graduated from Louisburg High School in 1973. Chiefie worked for NAPA in Louisburg, until 1985.

His love and interest for the fire department began when he was only six years old. As a child when the fire whistle would blow, he would run to the fire station and open up the doors. Chiefie served as a volunteer firefighter, and assistant chief, before being promoted to chief of the fire department in 1985. He served the citizens of Louisburg and Miami County for almost 50 years, before his retirement in 2018.

Chiefie met his future wife, Linda Ash, while she worked for Miami County EMS. The couple were married on June 28, 1991, in Miami, Oklahoma. They were happily married for 33 years.

He was a member of Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church in Louisburg for many years. Chiefie established the Firefighters Explorer Program in Louisburg, and also served as an arson investigator.

Chiefie loved spending time outdoors. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, shooting trap, and spending time at his lake house. Chiefie was most known for taking care of his family of firefighters and the community. He was a mentor and lifelong friend to many.

Chiefie is preceded in death by his parents, William and Adelene Richards.

He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Linda Richards, of the home; daughter, Dallas Richards, of Kansas City, Kansas; two brothers, Robert (Kathy) Richards and Bill (Marcia) Richards; sister-in-law, Glenda (Tom) Miller; five brothers-in-law, Ron (Sha) Ash, Lanny (Ellen) Ash, Brian (Beth) Ash, Craig (Shelley) Ash, and Michael Ash; as well as many nieces, nephews, and close friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made payable to Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church OR the charity of your choice, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, P.O. Box 669, Louisburg, Kansas 66053.