Richard "Dick" Millard

Richard "Dick" Millard

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Richard Dean Millard, who peacefully left this world on March 16, 2023. "Dick", as he was known to all, was 76 years old.

Born in Mason City, Iowa, on December 29, 1946, his childhood centered on his love of baseball which began with running the high school's scoreboard, as a young kid, for which he was paid in Snickers and cracked bats. He played baseball throughout high school and junior college and, according to legend, he may still hold the record for the longest hit home run in Mason City. Even though Dick moved to Kansas City, his love of Iowa and his hometown never wavered.

In Kansas City, he soon found love, and in April of 1972 married Gayle Richardson. They had three girls who kept him on his toes; from taking them to boy band concerts, dance recitals, moving them several times, to renovating kitchens, and crafting whatever woodworking projects they requested, he was 100% a Girl Dad.

He was known as "Pop-Pop" to his grandchildren, whom he loved spending time with, and hearing about their latest adventures. FaceTiming with them was a particular joy.

Dick's career which began in KC's garment district centered around repairing industrial sewing machines which allowed him to use his mechanical creativity in a variety of ways. Dick retired from Gear for Sports in Lenexa, KS where he improved the embroidery process with a hooping invention and set up an embroidery production facility in Mexico. His sewing machine repair work took him to such unique places as the Wolf Creek Nuclear Power Plant and the TWA maintenance facility at the airport.

Known for his love of family, his dogs, stuffed-crust pizza, woodworking, RV camping, mowing his lawn, and model trains, baseball remained a lifelong passion as he rarely missed a Kansas City Royals game on tv or radio.

Prior to Covid, Dick and Gayle served breakfast weekly downtown with Morning Glory Ministries. Dick enjoyed his important role filling the grape jelly cups and being the first welcoming face for those who came.

We want to thank Amber Williams and Raven Harrell from Missouri Palliative & Hospice Care for their exceptional care and comfort in Dick's final days.

Dick leaves behind his adoring family: his wife of 50 years, Gayle; his children: Michelle of Kansas City, Missouri, Kristine Martin and her husband Aaron, of Overland Park, Kansas, and Katy, of Independence, Missouri; his six grandchildren: Riley, Henry, and Jack Martin, and Robenson, Will, and Nathalie Millard. He also leaves behind his sister Janet Horan and her husband Steve, brother Leroy Millard and wife Ann, along with sisters-in-law Alice Richardson and Jewell Lucas and her husband Jim, as well as his faithful dog, Filly, and several lifelong friends.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents Kenneth Norman Millard and Wilma June Millard (Cheney), of Mason City, Iowa; and his beloved younger brother Craig Allen Millard, of Nashville, Tennessee.

Services will be held Wednesday, March 22nd, 2023 at St. Mark's Catholic Church 3736 S. Lee's Summit Road, Independence, MO 64055. Visitation begins with a Rosary at 10 a.m. followed by a Mass at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Morning Glory Ministries at 416 W. 12th St., Kansas City, MO 64105 or at morningglorykc.org.