Richard H. Everhart

Richard "Rick" H. Everhart, 68, passed away surrounded by family on November 5th, 2010 at a Dallas, Texas hospital. Visitation will be Thursday, November 11th from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home in Paola, KS. Services will be Friday, November 12th at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home with burial at Wagstaff Cemetery. Rick was born on the Everhart homestead April 20, 1942 in Paola, Kansas to Dale and Jean Everhart. Rick worked many days on the family farm, and after graduating from Paola High School he attended Sterling College where he played football. He then entered the United States Navy, serving on the USS Ticonderoga. While visiting family in Florida, he met and married Mary Alice Raybuck. They settled in Kansas and he began a 35 year career as a Lineman. Rick enjoyed being a Lineman Union Steward and was a member of the VFW and American Legion. He enjoyed giving school presentations about electrical safety and riding his horse in the local parades honoring the American Flag. After retirement in 2003 he enjoyed traveling the NASCAR "circuit", where he was an active member of the Rusty Wallace Fan Club. Rick was a man of habit and enjoyed his coffee and newspaper every morning. He loved talking sports, watching K-State football, reading, playing cards, dancing and spending time with his family. Rick was the life of the party, assuring that everyone was laughing and having a good time. He was a gentleman of his own kind, remembering stories, names and events like no one else could. He found joy in his grand "sons" laughter, love of sports, reading and ice cream! Rick never met a stranger and will be missed by many friends, but his family will miss his loving smile the most. Rick was preceded in death by his parents; nephew, Mark Everhart; and great nephew, Nicholas Everhart. He is survived by his two daughters, Kellie and husband Kevin Maynard and Shellie Everhart, all of Texas; grandsons, Keegan and Karson Maynard of Texas; brothers, Larry and wife Carol Everhart, and Alan and wife Lisa Everhart of Paola, Kansas; three nephews and one niece. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made payable to the MPD Foundation (Myelofibrosis Foundation) and sent in care of Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home, 305 N. Pearl, Paola, KS 66071.