Richard Polcyn, 77, of Russell, Kansas died on Monday, October 14, 2024, at St Francis Hospital in Wichita, Kansas.
Richard was born on November 14, 1946, in Hays, Kansas, the son of Florian “Mike” Joseph and Clemence “Clem” Katherine (Mudd) Polcyn. He grew up on the family farm south of Gorham, Kansas and then the family moved to Russell, in 1958. He graduated from Russell High School in 1965 and continued his education at Pittsburg State University graduating in 1969 with a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Technology. Richard was a member of the United States Army through the Reserve Officer Training Corp, receiving a comission as a 2nd Lieutenant and stationed at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. After leaving the Army, Richard moved to Phoenix, Arizona and went to work for Ford Motor Company before moving back to the family farm in 1975. Richard was married to Carol Moyer and Rebecca McKim.
While farming was something he was good at, his passion was always flying so in 1980, Richard started Rich’s Air Service, a charter company that eventually grew to include fuel sales, and flight instruction in Russell and then later in Hays, Ks.
He was a lifelong member of St.Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, Russell Elks Lodge and American Legion Post #99. Richard served on several boards including the Farm Bureau and looked forward to meeting with local and state government officials to talk about policy and government programs that could help Kansas farmers.
Surviving family include his daughters, Vickie Polcyn-Scott (Glen) of Wichita, Kansas and Jennifer Rogers (Robin) of St. George, Kansas. Four grandchildren, Alex Cunningham (Dylan), Andrew Rogers, Kinsley Scott, and Kallen Scott. One great-grandson, Dutton Cunningham and his sister Jean Crawford of Natoma. He was preceded in death by his parents and son Alan Polcyn.
A celebration of the funeral mass for Richard’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Monday, October 21, 2024, at the St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Russell, Kansas. Burial will follow at the St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Gorham, Kansas. Military honors will be performed by the Russell V.F.W. Post #6240. Viewing and family greeting will be from 3 P.M. to 5 P.M. on Sunday, October 20, 2024, at the St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Russell. The vigil and rosary will be held at 5 P.M. Sunday evening at the church, immediately following the visitation. Memorials may be given to St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church and sent in care of the mortuary. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.