Richard J. Deghand Sr.

Richard J. Deghand, Sr., 83, Topeka, died Friday, October 16, 2015, at Aldersgate Village Retirement Community. He was born July 1, 1932, in Topeka, the son of Albert Deghand, Jr and Connie Schiffelbein Deghand. He served in the Army in France from 1952 to 1954. Rich was employed by the Santa Fe Railroad as a Freight Carmen welder for 40 years. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and was a lay minister. Rich was a Eucharistic minister at St. Francis Hospital and to shut-ins and was a Door Step volunteer. He was a member of the Santa Fe Old Timers Club and the National Association of Retired and Veteran Railroad Employees. Rich loved to hunt and fish with his family. He loved Sunday gatherings with his children and grandchildren. Rich enjoyed watching the Jayhawks, Chiefs and Royals play and occasionally going to games with his family. He also was a fantastic gardener and a great carpenter who loved to build and remodel things. He was married to Joanne E. Eakes on July 11, 1952, in Topeka at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. She preceded him in death on January 12, 1998. Other survivors include sons, Richard Deghand Jr., Topeka, David Deghand (Kathy) Aurora, Colorado, Mike Deghand (Lisa), Berryton, KS, Scott Deghand (Annette), Berryton, KS, daughters, Denise Dinwiddie, (Dennis) Topeka, Donna Deghand (Gregg Fountaine), Topeka. Grandchildren are Joseph Deghand, Kurtis Deghand, Dennis Deghand, Davina Lowe, Jessica Deghand, Jacob Deghand, Ben Deghand, Cole Deghand, Lane Deghand, Ami Christina and Sarah Broxterman. Great-grandchildren Hoyt Deghand and Dalton Deghand. Also surviving are sisters, Pat Matzek (J.O) and Margaret Wieder. Rich was preceded in death by siblings Lillian, Leonard, Robert, Ray, Judith and Tim. Mr. Deghand’s visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Monday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 312 NE Freeman Avenue, Topeka KS 66616, with parish rosary at 5:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Burial will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery. Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 3625 SW 29th Street Suite 102, Topeka KS 66614, and Midland Care Hospice, 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka KS 66606.

Richard J. Deghand Sr.

July 1, 1932 - October 16, 2015