Richard L. Pearce

Richard Leroy Pearce, 76, Centralia, Kansas, died on Monday, September 25, 2023.  He was born on March 1, 1947, to Walter L. Pearce, Jr., and Kathleen Joy (Corn) Pearce in Paola, Kansas.

Richard attended elementary schools in Miami and Osage Counties, as well as one-room schools in Douglas County.  He was a member of Marion Boosters 4-H Club.  Richard graduated from Overbrook Rural High School in 1966.  Richard attended Kansas University before he joined the U.S. Air Force in 1967.  He served twenty years in many locations, including Vietnam where he was awarded a Purple Heart and Bronze Star.  He also received many other awards and citations during his military career.  He retired with the rank of Master Sergeant.

While in the military, Richard earned a bachelor’s degree.  Following his military retirement, Richard received a Juris Doctor Degree from Washburn Law School.   

Richard served as Assistant County Attorney in Rooks County and Osage County, and he was legal counsel for Legal Aid Services in Nemaha County.  Richard also served for a short time as Judge Pro Tem in Nemaha County District Court.  Richard retired from practicing law in 2010.  Richard was a member of the Kansas Bar Association.

Richard is survived by his two brothers, Keith (Marie) and John; his two sisters, Allene (Ed) Keating and Marsha (Wendell) Pohl; his stepmother, Beverly Pearce; his two stepsisters, Kathy Buxton and Lori (Kevin) Trowbridge; his aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.

A family graveside service will be held on Monday, October 9, 2023, at the Overbrook Cemetery in Overbrook, Kansas.  Following the service, a meal will be shared at the home of Allene and Ed Keating.  Memorial contributions are suggested to the American Diabetes Association, American Heart Association, or a charity of the donor’s choice.