Richard “Rick” Arlen Haden, 81, of Lawrence, Kansas, entered into the presence of his Heavenly Father on Monday, July 13, 2026. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family.
Rick was born on October 22, 1944, in Scandia, Kansas, to William and Geneva (Flesher) Haden. He married the love of his life, Pamela Steinberger, and graduated from Concordia High School. The two were married for 65 wonderful years and raised four sons and a daughter together. Rick affectionately referred to his children as “The Five Crumb Grabbers,” a nickname that became a cherished part of the family’s story.
Rick was a lifelong fan of KU athletics and especially loved Kansas Jayhawk football, basketball, and the marching Jayhawks. One of his fondest childhood memories was hearing the distant whistle of giant steam locomotives as they rolled into town, then racing to get a closer look. That fascination never faded, and he was thrilled to witness the legendary Big Boy 4014 steam engine during its visits to Lawrence.
Music was woven throughout Rick’s life, and he delighted in sharing that passion with his children and anyone willing to listen. He proudly held onto the vinyl records he began collecting in 1958. From doo-wop classics to today’s hits, Rick could always find a song that struck a chord. He was known for his quick wit, infectious smile, and perfectly timed one-liners that could brighten even the toughest day.
Rick served as Assistant Manager for Montgomery Ward in Concordia. When the store closed, rather than transferring with the company, he chose to begin a new chapter with Pepsi-Cola. It was there that he built the career for which many knew him best. As a Route Supervisor based in Concordia, Rick proudly helped keep the Pepsi generation going strong, serving communities throughout north-central Kansas while building lasting friendships everywhere he went.
Rick was preceded in death by his parents, William and Geneva Haden, and his brother, Robert Haden.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Pamela; his children, David (Veronica) of Abilene, Kansas; Rick of Concordia, Kansas; Michael (Sara) of Park City, Kansas; Erik of Lawrence, Kansas; and Stacie Palacios (Jose) of Olathe, Kansas; his brother, Mark (Debbie) of Palmdale, California; eight grandchildren, Ryan, Drew, Leah, Kyle, Andrew, Amber, Isaac, and Ellie; and five great-grandchildren.
Rick will be remembered for his unwavering love of family, his deep faith, his quick sense of humor, and his lifelong passions for music, trains, and the Kansas Jayhawks. His legacy of faith, laughter, kindness, and love will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him.
A semi-private burial service honoring the life of Richard A. Haden will be held on Saturday, August 15, at 11:00 a.m. at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Concordia.
Following the burial, at approximately 11:30 a.m., family, friends, and all who knew and loved Rick are invited to gather for a fellowship luncheon at The Baptist Church Fellowship Hall in Concordia, Kansas.
We look forward to coming together to remember him, share stories, and celebrate the life he lived.
So very sorry for your loss. Being one of my older cousins, I always looked up to him because of his athleticism and friendship. His determination and love for Pam was unmatched!
So sorry to hear this news! He’ll be remembered for his mischievous grin, love of music and the Jayhawks. Prayers for your family as you remember and celebrate his life.
Pam and family, as you enter the time here on earth without Rick and the empty spot you feel, I pray you are comforted that those who die as a member of the family of God will be in a beautiful and peaceful heavenly home. Your sorrow is real and right, but so is your hope in Christ. Blessings on all of you, Joann Freeborn
So sorry to hear of Rick’s passing. A great guy. Will never forget his gentle smile. Praying for you all.
Please accept my deepest condolences. Rick was a special person and he will be missed.
Uncle Rick was the best! He will definitely be missed and was loved so much. I will see you on the other side and we can rock out! ❤️
Pam and your family. My heart goes out to you. You are in our prayers. It so great to hear what a wonderful man Rick was. I know you will hold those memories dear.
Our sincerest condolences to Stacie and her family.
Gerald and April Chavey send their thoughts and prayers. We wanted you to know that we are thinking of you during these very difficult times.
I grew up next door to Rick and Pam, when I lived in Concordia, I was the rowdy neighbor kid, who would ride my wagon down their hill. Or just drop by sometimes and say hi.
Easily the best neighbors to have when I grew up in Con.
My sympathies to Rick’s family.
We are blessed to have known him as we also share grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.
We are so sorry to hear of Rick’s passing. He was a really nice guy and family man. May he RIP. Our Sympathy to Pam and all the kids❣️……Anita
One of the best grandpas I ever had! Spending Christmas every year with grandma, getting goody snack as a kid when he worked for Pepsi cola, and his cool music setup collection, Wheaties boxes and Mountain Dew bottle collections. Love you grandpa!
I’m sure gonna miss you Dad! You were the best Father a guy could have ever asked for…I love you! 🥺
We grew up together in the little town of Scandia! I have so many good memories of our times at Grandma and Grandpa Flesher’s house with lots of cousins there to play with. What a blessing to have known you.
I’ll sure miss you Dad…You were the Father a guy could ever have! I love you!