Richard "Rich" Dennis Sheahon

Richard Dennis "Rich” Sheahon, passed away Thursday, January 7, 2021, a day after his 74th birthday. Rosary will be at 10:00 am; Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 am, both Friday, January 15, 2021, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. Graveside Service will follow at 1:30 PM, at Gypsum Hill Cemetery, Salina, KS. Rich was born at Waconda Springs, KS, the eldest child to Dick and Jean Sheahon. Growing up, Rich lived in Damar and Salina, KS. He excelled in academics and athletics in high school at Sacred Heart in Salina. While attending Washburn University, Rich started working at a new restaurant named “Pizza Hut.” His Pizza Hut career would take him from making pizza’s in college to Vice President of Pizza Hut International. After his Pizza Hut career, Rich worked in the restaurant industry for many years, from opening his own restaurants, to building out franchises, to managing the supply chains for Midwest food service businesses. Whether playing sports or at work, he was a leader - quiet, humble, and always leading by example. Rich was a man who did not have enemies nor know strangers. If you met him, you’d never forget him. As an older man, he laughed at how his grandsons thought he looked like the Quaker Oats Man with white hair and wild eyebrows. He was gentle in spirit, kind, friendly, funny, and generous. Rich met Julie in the 8th grade, and a lifelong love story began. Rich created a life with his family filled with love, optimism, joy, laughter, silliness, kindness, and many memorable road trips across the country to visit family. Rich and Julie would celebrate their 55th anniversary this year. They taught their daughters marriage takes work, but is worth it in the end. Overall, Rich’s greatest love was his family. He was a nonstop supporter of his siblings in everything they did throughout their lives. He was a constant presence at his nieces, nephews and grandchildren’s sporting and school events. But he really had a special love for his grandchildren. As Grandpa, he cheered on Christopher in sports and school and later when he was commissioned an Officer in the United States Army. He supported Catherine in her volleyball matches and proud she was studying to be a nurse like her Grammy. As Pop-Pop, he taught Elliott and Luke how to say nighttime prayers, play golf, and how to throw a football. He taught them all to say “no bites,” and to eat dessert - especially ice cream - before dinner. He loved all of his family unconditionally, beyond words. He truly was the best Husband, Dad, Son, Brother, Uncle Rich and Friend. He was our Hero. Our Champion. And he will be immensely missed. Preceded in death by his parents, Richard “Dick” and Arlene “Jean” (Pehowic) Sheahon; sister, Joan Wood. Survived by his wife, Julie Sheahon of Wichita; daughters, Heather (Mick) Whelan of Carl Junction, MO, Meredith (Aaron) Mansfield of Wichita; brothers, Jack (Anita) Sheahon of Salina, Mike Sheahon of Lawrence, Steve (Bonnie) Sheahon of Wichita; sister, Mary Pat (Jim) Weese of Salina; brother in-law Terry Wood, Topeka, KS; grandchildren, Christopher Whelan, Catherine Whelan, Elliott Mansfield, Luke Mansfield; aunts, Audra (Herb) Henderson of Middletown, PA, Carol (Mark) Boyer of Leawood, KS; 15 nieces and nephews; 23 great-nieces and nephews; and a large extended family, and many lifelong friends. The family wish to thank the incredible Trauma Team at Ascension Via Christi St Francis Hospital for their care and support, and Dr. Lamont Bloom for his years of friendship and care to Rich. A memorial has been established with: St. Vincent de Paul Society c/o Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 124 N. Roosevelt, Wichita, KS, 67208. Downing & Lahey Mortuary - East Chapel. Share tributes online at: www.dlwichita.com