Richard H. Cull

Dick Cull made his presence known in late September, 1934; Born into the midst of the Great Depression in his family’s home in Kansas City, Missouri. His father was a police officer by trade and his mother worked at a factory in town.

He graduated from Paseo High School in 1952 and enrolled in entrepreneur classes at a junior college shortly after. One important lesson: You’re not selling something, you’re helping somebody. His natural entrepreneurial spirit, combined with the various lessons he learned in school, would help launch his career as a businessman.

He started sporting his signature hair cut in his twenties when he joined the Naval Reserves: a reminder that you’re only one bad barber away from a permanent life choice. When not in Chicago for drill weekends, Dick spent his time in Kansas City and would eventually leverage his business acumen and enter a venture selling fiberglass molded boats.

Dick would stay in the plastics business and become a partner and salesman at an up-and-coming outfit called Regal Plastics which manufactured products for various industrial, commercial and retail customers. He would help grow the business in the Midwest and would eventually ascend to the role of President. He would retire from the company after 60 years of service.

Where most men would have been happy with just one job, Dick Cull was not satisfied. He would start or enter several business ventures through his life, often relying on his young family to help manage and even run these operations. Such ventures include but are not limited to; a Winnebago RV Rental business, a Cessna Air-Share company, a fire equipment supply business, and a fare-box manufacturing company. Today his family still owns and operates H-O-T Fire and Safety, Diamond Manufacturing, and KC Plastics.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Dick was an avid sports fan. He followed or witnessed nearly every world-famous athlete in his lifetime compete, attended two Olympic Games including the “Miracle on Ice” Hockey Game at Lake Placid, and most notably was an inaugural season ticket holder for the Kansas City Chiefs. He and his family were such fans of the team he would renew his tickets the following 63 consecutive seasons. As with all Chiefs fans, Dick experienced much heartache and grief with this team, but with the bitter comes the sweet and the long wait was worth the many recent Super Bowl appearances and Championships.

As a product of the Depression, Dick held many traits and characteristics of the time that helped define his life. Sweat and blood equity were core principles, and he strongly believed that anything worth doing is worth doing yourself. He was thrifty: Often opting for quick, cheap, and “alternative” solutions to problems. He was crafty: Using the resources immediately available to him to solve any issue. He was stubborn: Sometimes acknowledging, but mostly declining to follow the advice, suggestions or input of others. All of these characteristics combined resulted in what is known as “The Cull Way”. Why go to the hardware store and buy the right parts when you can just find something that might remotely work around the house? You’d be impressed by how much you can get done and for how cheap you can do it if you don’t care how it looks.

He was somewhat of a hoarder, especially when it came to things you can drive. In Dick Cull's view, no vehicle was too inadequate and, in most cases, it seemed the worse in quality and condition the better. At the time of his death, he was the proud owner of over 20 vehicles, boats, mowers, tractors and trailers, and other “fixer-uppers” on wheels and tracks alike. His property tax alone would make a lesser man take a long and hard look at their life choices, but for Dick it was a second thought.

What truly defined his life, however, was his generosity and service toward others. He was a resident at Lake Waukomis for over 60 years where he served on the City Council, as Mayor, and as the Marshall. He was a proud member of Platte Woods United Methodist Church and Antioch Community Church where he served in a number of leadership roles including as the Chair of the Pastor Relations Committee and as an Elder. He was also a proud board member of the NorthCare Hospice House. Dick served a variety of non-profits, church missions, and other community groups through donations, volunteer work, and financial support.

But beyond his titles, roles, and achievements, Dick’s most important job was that of husband, father, grandfather, and great grandpa. His family was his central focus, and he included them in most everything he did.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Danetta, father, Orlando, sister, and many other family and friends. Most importantly, Dick is reuniting with his beloved bride and wife of 53 years, Sandy LeBarge.

Dick is survived by his loving children, Ray Cull (Shelley), Ginger Kroenke (John), Dean Cull (Kathy), and Todd Cull (Pam); 8 grandchildren; and 9 great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind several extended relatives and many cherished friends.

Dick will be laid to rest at the White Chapel Memorial Gardens after a private family service. Celebration of life will be planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in memory of Dick Cull to the NorthCare Hospice House.

The Cull Family respectfully requests services at the cemetery be held privately.