Richard (Dick) Lee Mayer

Richard (Dick) Lee Mayer was born in Industry, Kansas to Leo and Vesta (Cline) Mayer on November 1, 1934. He died on March 17, 2026.

Dick was a consummate professional and not one for openly sharing personal details of his life. Though we can tell many stories of leadership, service, love, and lessons that were taught loudly by example, all of which we have been richly blessed by, we will honor his wishes and keep it professional.

Dick grew up as an only child in Industry, Kansas with older relatives living nearby. One of his early and lasting interests was singing. As a young boy and throughout high school, he would sing at funerals, festivals, and school events and productions. As an adult, he enjoyed being a member of the church choir at St Francis of Assisi for many years.

Dick graduated from Dickinson County Community High School in 1952 and then Brown-Mackie School of Business in Salina, KS. He then began his lifelong career in the transportation field starting with the Missouri Pacific Railroad Company where he worked in Colorado, Wichita, and Kansas City until he was drafted into the Army in July 1957. While working for the railroad in Wichita, a co-worker introduced his sister, Margaret (Marge) Weber, a young schoolteacher, to Dick. They were married in Dubuque, Kansas in 1956 and lived in Kansas City until Dick’s military service when they both moved to Germany. While there, they enjoyed traveling throughout Europe. In 1959, after his military service ended, they returned to Kansas City until moving back to Wichita in April of 1961. Dick continued with the Railroad until 1963 when he became the Manager of Traffic for Vulcan Materials Company. He ended his career with Koch Industries, Inc. where he was Director of Transportation from 1975 until his retirement in 1992.

After retirement Dick remained very active in his church, the Serra Club, and their homeowners association. He also enjoyed travels with Marge, cooking, gardening, and spending time with their children and grandson.

Dick is survived by his wife of 69 years, Marge, their two children, Chris Mayer of Wichita, Julie Moss (Theron) of Delia, Kansas, grandson, Grady Moss, a cousin, Jean Scanlan of Abilene, Kansas, as well as two nephews and several nieces. Dick was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters-in-law, Sr Stella and Florentine Weber, and two brothers-in-law Bernard and LaVerne (LJ) Weber.

Rosary will be at 10:00 am, Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 am, both on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church.

Memorials have been established with: Alzheimer’s Association, Central & Western Kansas, 535 West Douglas, Suite 150, Wichita, Kansas 67213 and Serra Club Wichita Metro, 145 South Millwood Avenue, Wichita, Kansas 67213.

Services in care of Downing & Lahey West Mortuary.