Richard Lee Dick' Mettlen

Richard Lee 'Dick' Mettlen, 96, of McPherson, Kansas, passed away at 1:40 p.m., Saturday, December 6, 2014 peacefully, at Loving Care of McPherson. Arrangements are pending. Richard Lee “Dick” Mettlen, the son of Oscar Lee and Edna Minerva (Richards) Mettlen, was born January 27, 1918 in Hutchinson, Kansas. He was one of two children born to this union, one daughter and one son: Ernestine and Richard. Richard attended the Hutchinson grade schools, Hutchinson Junior High School and graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1935. He then attended and graduated from Hutchinson Junior College, Hutchinson, Kansas in 1937. Later he attended Travelers Insurance School of Hartford, Connecticut where he received honors and the love of working with and for people. Richard Lee Mettlen was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart Ruth L. Sprinkle on Christmas day, December 25, 1938 at Trinity Methodist Church, Hutchinson, Kansas. The young couple established their first home together in Hutchinson, Kansas. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, Richard entered military service by enlisting at Lowry Field in Denver, Colorado. He was selected to attend officers training school in Miami, Florida, where he was recognized as the Outstanding Cadet in his regiment. Richard served in the United States Air Force during W.W. II as Squadron Adjutant for the 614th Squadron of the 401st Bomb Group and served two years in England with the B17 Bomb Group. Dick was a Captain during the war, stayed in the reserves, and became a Major. Following his military service Dick purchased an interest in the Carl M. Anderson Insurance Agency in McPherson, Kansas. Later he became full owner and changed the name to Mettlen Insurance Agency. For nearly 70 years he served his customers well and enjoyed his work. He was still going to the office when he was 90 years old. Richard gave many hours of service to the community. He served as parade chairman for All School's Day in McPherson for 25 years, served on the Memorial Hospital Board for 12 years, was a member and past president of the Lion's Club, Elks Club, served as Commander of the American Legion Post 24, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2715, Eastern Star, Odd Fellows, McPherson Masonic Lodge of McPherson, IsIs Shrine and the Royal Order of Jesters' both of Salina; served as board member and County Finance Chairman for McPherson Chapter of the American Red Cross, County Finance Chairman for the American Cancer Society and he and Ruth were faithful members of the First United Methodist Church. Richard loved his family and grandchildren, hunting, golfing, and traveling with his wife Ruth. Richard Lee 'Dick' Mettlen, 96, of McPherson, Kansas, passed away at 1:40 p.m., Saturday, December 6, 2014 peacefully, at Loving Care of McPherson. Richard was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Ernestine Lyman. Surviving family members include his loving and devoted wife of almost 76 years, Ruth Mettlen, of McPherson, Kansas; his daughters, Rae Ann Leach and her husband Dave, of Sisters, Oregon and Margo Yates, of Marion, Kansas; his 3 grandchildren, Molly Leach, Bart Leach and his wife Tara, and Michael Yates and his wife Elaine; his 3 great-grandchildren, Hailey, Abby, and David Leach; other relatives and a host of friends. Private family graveside services were held at 2:00 p.m., on Wednesday, December 10, 2014 at the Fairlawn Burial Park Cemetery, Hutchinson, Kansas Memorials are suggested to Richard L. Mettlen Holiday Cheer for Seniors in memory of Richard and they can be sent in care of the Glidden—Ediger Funeral Home; 222 West Euclid Street; McPherson, Ks. 67460.Through his visitations to nursing homes and hospitals during the holiday season Richard shared his boxes of candy and caring ways with seniors. The memorial, set up through the McPherson County Community Foundation is to continue this legacy.