Richard W. Hanes

Richard “Dick” Hanes was born in Colorado Springs, CO, to Irma and Wilbur Hanes, and later joined by his younger brother, Don. He attended Steele Elementary, North Junior High, and Colorado Springs High School. An accomplished Boy Scout, he earned the rank of Eagle Scout by age fifteen. It was in high school that he met the love of his life, Julia Kathleen (Kay) Lally.

After beginning his studies at Colorado College, Dick transferred to Purdue University as an Air Force ROTC student to pursue electrical engineering. He and Kay were married in 1951 at Shove Chapel and returned to Purdue, where he graduated in 1952. His service in the Korean War took him to Okinawa, Japan, and later to Biloxi, MS. Ever the seeker of knowledge, Dick pursued a law degree at George Washington University.

In 1958, he and Kay welcomed their first child, Christie, and soon returned to Colorado Springs. Dick joined the District Attorney’s office and later became a partner at Spurgeon, Aman and Hanes, specializing in intellectual property law. He had a vibrant legal career and continued practicing until the age of 91.

The couple raised four children—Christie, Kirk, Ken, and Kathy—and built a life full of adventure and exploration. Dick had a deep love for the mountains, skiing and aviation, earning his pilot’s license in the 1960s and frequently flying his family and friends to new destinations. He also volunteered for Angel Flight, helping transport patients in need of medical care. He believed in giving his kids a sense of wonder about the world. Whether it was teaching them how to ski, introducing them to the rhythm of train travel in Europe, or encouraging them to explore the skies and mountains, he nurtured a spirit of independence and discovery in each of them.

A passionate historian and gifted speaker, Dick also volunteered as a tour guide in Cripple Creek, where he enjoyed sharing the Pikes Peak Regions rich past. He was also a devoted dog lover, sharing his life with many loyal Black Labs and Golden Retrievers over the years.

Dick passed peacefully with his children by his side. He is survived by: Christie, Kirk, his wife Sharon, Ken, his wife Edina, Kathy, her husband Dean, niece Sara, nephew Dan, eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Memorial Services: Broadmoor Community Church May 31, 2025 11:00AM

Memorial Donations: In lieu of flowers or donations, the family kindly asks that you honor Richard by keeping him in your thoughts and prayers.