Donald Herbert Richards

Obituary of Donald Herbert Richards

Don passed away from pancreatic cancer July 18, 2026 surrounded by his loving family. He was 78 yrs old.

Don was born in Kassel, Germany, to Donald Harry Richards and Hedwig Hahn Richards. An only child, he grew up in his grandparents’ home while his family relocated throughout Germany with the military. During high school, Don and his parents moved to Colorado Springs, CO. Having grown up as an “Army brat,” he later joined the Navy and served several tours of duty in Vietnam aboard wooden-hulled Minesweeping Boats (MSBs) and later submarines.

After his military discharge, Don settled in Denver, CO, and met the love of his life, Denise Ann. They were married in 1971 and together had one child, Nathan. (Don proudly gained a daughter, Rebecca, when Nathan married in 2011.)

While in CO, he chose respiratory therapy as his desired career and earned his Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential in 1974. Then in 1975, Don began work on his baccalaureate degree through the University of New York at Stony Brook. He later received a full graduate scholarship from the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare (HEW) to continue his studies, and in 1979 he graduated from Stony Brook with a second, advanced degree.

Don went on to serve as a part-time faculty member at Wichita State University and as Cardio-Pulmonary Department Manager at the VA Hospital in Wichita, Kansas where he later became their Head of Diagnostic Services.

Beyond his professional roles, Don was deeply involved in health care, public service, and professional leadership. His contributions included service with:

• The American Lung Association of Kansas, including a term as president
• The Health Professions Network, a national organization dedicated to raising awareness of the need for more health care professionals
• The Kansas Respiratory Care Society (KRCS), where he served for many years on the Board of Directors

Don also helped establish licensure for respiratory therapy in Kansas, drafted the first continuing education requirements, served as the first Continuing Education Coordinator, and represented the KRCS on the Respiratory Care Council to the Kansas Board of Healing Arts. Nationally, he represented Kansas through the American Association for Respiratory Care as both a member of the House of Delegates and a member of the National Board of Directors.

In 1992, Don and his family moved to Topeka, Kansas. He became the Kansas Board of Regents’ Health Careers Specialist.

In that role, Don continued to provide expertise and leadership in various health care organizations, as well as assist in developing a national health careers exploration curriculum for high school students interested in health care careers. He was also instrumental in securing a multi-year grant from the State of Kansas to help local nursing schools obtain additional funding, expand class sizes, and graduate more nurses.

Don retired in 2012, giving him and Denise more time to travel and to enjoy his lifelong hobby of model railroading. He remained active with the Lawrence Model Railroad Club and the European Train Enthusiasts in Kansas City. He also loved German sports cars—especially Porsches—and, of course, German beer. He once caused a stir among German friends by admitting that he liked Belgian beer as much as German beer. Don often quoted Spock’s famous phrase, “Live long and prosper,” and added his own good-humored wish: “and be sure to enjoy a good craft beer with friends. Prost!”

Don’s life will be celebrated Wednesday, July 29, 2026 at the Union Pacific Depot in Lawrence, KS at 10:30 am. A reception will follow. Guests are invited to share memories, stories, and good times from Don’s remarkable life. Bright colors and “Tommy Bahama” shirts are welcomed and encouraged.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Don’s name may be made to the Lawrence Memorial Hospital Oncology Department, the Visiting Nurses Hospice Association, the Lawrence Model Railroad Club, or a charity of your choice.