Richard Leon Shanks

He was born on December 9, 1944, in the proud town of Lexington, Missouri. He and his brother, Sandy, were raised by their parents, Constance and Dennis, with the love and guidance of their grandparents, Maud and Leonard “Pop” Kelly. Rick and Sandy’s childhood was anything but ordinary. They lived above Maud’s Tavern, a legendary watering hole that drew everyone from local politicians to Kansas City gangsters. You could say that above the hum of conversation and clink of glasses, that Rick developed his lifelong gift for connecting with people from every walk of life.

In high school, Rick distinguished himself as Captain of both the football and basketball teams, earned All-District honors in tennis, and served as President of the Student Council. He went on to graduate from Wentworth Military Academy and later the University of Missouri. His love of knowledge and the act of learning was a passion of Rick’s. It was a constant throughout his life. A genuinely curious mind. The world and how it worked was his classroom. 

Music was one of Rick’s great passions at an early age. He sang and played bass in bands. The most famous one in his family was called The Litterbugs. Working in a factory during the day and singing In the Midnight Hour by Wilson Pickett at night to help put himself through college. His love of music became a permanent inheritance passed down to his children. He made sure they experienced the cinematic and musical brilliance of The Blues Brothers, even if perhaps a little earlier than most parents might allow. “We’re on a mission from God,” as said by the character Elwood, was one of his favorite lines.

Like many of his generation, Rick set aside dreams of a full-time music career to provide for his family. Before we go on, it must be said that to know Rick is to know a man who believes in his country and would fight for it. He joined the Army out of college and rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant and out of this experience he received the building blocks to navigate life. 

With an unmatched work ethic, he built an extraordinary career in the insurance industry, ultimately serving as Vice President at Aon Insurance, where he specialized in agricultural risk management. His expertise earned national recognition, including consultation with the Department of Homeland Security on protecting the nation’s food supply. He appeared on CNBC’s Squawk Box, sharing his knowledge, insights, and love of the Chiefs. Rick’s career was marked not only by accomplishment, but by genuine passion. He loved his work and took great pride in mentoring others, always eager to share what he had learned. A calming presence, always in control, he led by showing others how to lead oneself.

Despite his many achievements, what defined Rick most was his character. He was kind, generous, endlessly curious, and effortlessly welcoming. He possessed a rare magnetism that drew people to him. His humor, intelligence, and warmth created a presence that made others feel valued and at ease. People simply wanted to be around him.

No one knew this better than the love of his life, his wife, Rena. They met, fittingly, through the insurance industry. Their relationship bridged miles, backgrounds, and expectations. Rena, a strong, independent Northern Californian who had built her own life and career in San Francisco, was Rick’s perfect match, pure magic. What began as an unlikely pairing became a remarkable love story. Married for 33 years, their marriage was one of deep partnership, admiration, and joy. Together, they created a life that inspired everyone fortunate enough to witness it.

Rick was also a devoted father who took seriously the responsibility of preparing his children for life. One of the many tools he shared with his kids are his “Dadisms,” hard-earned lessons distilled from experience, observation, and reflection. Inspired perhaps by his grandfather Pop Kelly, who carried meaningful quotes in his pockets, Rick passed along his own wisdom with intention and care.

One such Dadism stands as a lasting legacy:

“Never, never give up. You will always succeed if you accept that you will not succeed every time. But never accept losing as anything other than a learning experience to drive you to be a champion in all walks of life.”

Rick is survived by his beloved wife, Rena, and his children, Courtney, Brad, and Taylor Shanks.

Family and friends are invited to attend services on Thursday, February 12, 2026 at Mt. Moriah Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Rd. Kansas City, Missouri, 64131. Visiting will begin at 10:00AM with light refreshments, and a Celebration of life will follow at 11:00AM. Services will conclude with Full Military Honors.

In lieu of flowers, consider making a donation in Rick’s honor to the American Cancer Society or Tunnels to Towers Foundation.