Richard "Rick" Gunn

Richard “Rick” Gunn unexpectedly passed away December 17th at his home in Bedford, Texas. He was a 1969 Shawnee Mission East Graduate and continued his education at JCCC studying Retail Marketing and Management. His young adult years were consumed spending summers at Lake Lotawana where he became an active member of the Lotawana Ski Club. Rick’s passion for the water brought him back to Boy Scout camp as a lifeguard and camp counselor where he became the recipient of the highest rank for Eagle Scouts.

Rick became a sales representative for Automotive Distributors in Kansas City and Mr. Phone for several years before receiving his US Coast Guard Six Pack license to become a Crewed Charter Boat Captain in the British Virgin Islands. After five years living in Tortola he returned to his hometown of Mission, Kansas and purchased Gunn’s Retail Liquor Store. In between, he met his wife, Pam at Kelly’s Westport Inn and married in 1986 (they were on hold due to the ‘85 World Series of course!). Rick continued to use his renovation skills and experience to invest and renovate HUD properties until he was hired on as a Construction Material Field Testing Technician for KTI in Merriam, Kansas.

Rick, a big supporter of UMCA (United Masonry Contractors Association) became a licensed Quikrete Concrete Manufacturer working for Rich-Mix Products. His first daughter, Hannah was born in 1992 and his recognition of a mix design change led to the introduction of “Spec-Mix” creating a sales position out of state. Three years after Melanie was born the Gunn’s relocated to Grapevine, Texas. In addition to his career, Gunn received the PTA Lifetime Award for his position as PTA President of Grapevine Elementary. Rick stayed in sales and currently held a position at A&A Fence assisting in sales and design.

Rick was a loyal Kansas City Royals and Chiefs fan and stayed connected to his hometown taking his summer vacations at the family lake house on Lake Lotawana where he spent his summers as a boy. It was also a priority to stock up on enough Gates Barbeque sauce to last until the next visit. The friendships that Gunn made growing up have become lifelong friendships for his wife and “the girls.” as he affectionately always referred to them.

He is survived by his wife, Pam Gunn and daughters Hannah and Melanie Gunn that reside in Texas. Also his sister, Nancy Gunn Mann, his nieces Allison Henschel, husband Jim, children, Ben, Sophie and Jake, Amy Gehlen and children, Ashley, Emily, Kylie and Brody. Mother-in-law Margaret Smith and Sister-in-law Vicki Smith, nieces Jaci Koelling (husband Greg), Michelle Russo (husband Chuck and son Charlie.)

He is preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Bette Lu Gunn and brothers, Doug, Tim and Walt Jr.

He was an exceptional cook, father and husband. He loved family, friends, the lake, the beach and life. He always had a story, always had a smile and always had a hug. Rick had some interesting toasts that he would bestow upon his friends when they gathered but one of his favorite phrases was “There’s a whole lot of things that I ain’t done, but I’ve ain’t never had too much fun!” (TMF in da BVI) God Bless You Rick Gunn! You will be missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Boy Scouts Heart of America Council, 10210 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO 64131. Please designate Tribe Mic-O-Say, in memory of Rick Gunn.