Richard E. Geier

Richard E. Geier, 84, passed away on June 10, 2025, at Wesley Medical center in Wichita, KS surrounded by his loved ones.

Born on March 19, 1941 to the parents of Howard and Irene Geier in Pittsburg, KS. He was fortunate enough to live with foster parents Gilbert and Idotha Cottle in South Haven, KS. He met Donna at the age of 14 in South Haven KS. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served from 1959-1963. When he left the Navy he contacted Donna and on May 1st 1964 they were united in marriage. They spent 61 years in love together. Following his military service, he dedicated 36 years of his career to Beach Aircraft, where he contributed with steadfast commitment and skill.

Richard found great joy in life’s simple pleasures. He especially cherished fishing trips to Lake Texoma with his beloved wife Donna where they would fish for striper fish. Donna would out fish him most of the time. He spent countless hours working out in his shop. Time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought him immense happiness and pride. He also loved traveling and going on cruises (16 in total). He loved drinking a margarita any time he could and smoking a cigar on his back deck. He was also very proud of his John Deer tractor. His most prized procession was his fire engine red Harley Davidson motorcycle. His greatest joy was spending time with his family and having everyone together.

He is survived by his wife, Donna; daughter, Michelle Bollig (Eric); son, Michael (Kelli); grandchildren, Jocelyn Bollig (Nathan), Jessica Manuel (Austin), Jerica LaBelle (John), Geoffrey, and Kate; and great-grandchildren, Madelyn Manuel and Spencer LaBelle. He is also survived by his brother, John Cottle (Janice); sister, Sandra Geier; and brothers-in-law, Brad Scott (Kathy), Larry Scott (Christy), Lester Scott (Debbie), and Tom Sheldon; and sister-in-law, Donna R. Geier; and honorary son, Don Brunhoeber.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Irene Geier; foster parents, Gilbert and Idotha Cottle; mother-in-law, Virgina Rickards; brother, Kenneth Geier; sister, Barbra Sheldon; sister-in-law, Ann Gressel; and brothers-in-law, Ranger Scott and Virgil Scott.

A memorial service will be held on June 21, 2025 at 2:00pm at Smith Mortuary in Derby, Kansas. Visitation will be held prior to memorial service at 1:00pm. Cremation has taken place. Memorial donations can be made to Douglas Masonic Lodge #151 and the Midian Shrine Plane of Mercy.

Richard’s legacy lives on through the many lives he touched with quiet strength and enduring love. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him.

“Now lets go eat!” – Richard (any time everyone was together).