Richard Lee Wessler, known to his friends as “Bud”, age 93, died on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at his residence in Liberal, Kansas.
Bud was born on January 16, 1931, in Kismet, Kansas, to Edward and Della (Smith) Wessler. He graduated from Kismet Kansas High School before furthering his education at Boyles Business College to become a telegraph operator, a skill he loved to show his grandchildren and great grandchildren on his personal telegraph key.
He dedicated 42 years of his life to the Rock Island Railroad, Cotton Belt and Southern Pacific Railroads. Bud worked in several different positions and locations before retiring as the Liberal, Kansas station agent in 1993.
Bud bravely served in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict aboard the Destroyer Escort USS William Seiverling (DE-441). His service to his country was a testament to his courage and selflessness. Noteworthy is his continued connection with his fellow shipmates through attendance at reunions, showing loyalty and camaraderie that lasted for many years.
On March 29, 1952, Bud and Margaret Ann Rogge eloped to Clayton, New Mexico. They were married for 72 years and raised three children.
Bud was a member of the First Christian Church, the American Legion Post 491 of Granbury, Texas, the Friday Nighters and a very proud member of the Cherokee Nation. His many jokes, laughter, talents and loving character will be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
He is survived by his wife, Margaret Wessler of Liberal, Kansas; sons, Richard Wessler and Debra Stewart of Granbury, Texas, and Robert Wessler of Alvarado, Texas; daughter, Betsy Lawrence and her husband, Roger of Bartlesville, Oklahoma; honorary daughters: Denise Davis and her husband Leighton of Bartlett, Kansas, Debbie Lee Jens-Wessler of McHenry, Illinois, and Karen Perry of Keller, Texas; brother, Edward Duane Wessler of Bullhead City, Arizona; grandchildren: Chad Lawrence and his wife Yasmin, Hannah Lawrence and Wade Sturges, Paige Meyer and her husband, Cameron, Garrison Wessler, Ryan Wessler and his wife, Chloe, Erin Roberts and her husband, Matt, Kailey Williams and her husband, Lee, Jake Bullock and his wife Cassandra, honorary grandchildren: Tyler Davis and his wife, Stephanie, Jonathon Davis and his wife Camille, Brendan Finley, and Paige Davis; six great-grandchildren: Johnny White, Peyton Meyer, Harper Meyer, Elliott Williams, Ady Bullock, and Hazel Bullock; and eight honorary great grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Della Wessler; daughter, Sharon Kay Wessler; brother, Gerald “Jerry” Arthur Wessler; and sisters-in-law, Caroline Wessler and Alison Wessler.
• Funeral services took place Saturday, August 3, 2024, at the First Christian Church at 920 N. Jordan Avenue in Liberal.
Interment will follow at Kismet Cemetery with Military Honors.
Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Jude Hospital for Children or Liberal Animal Shelter in care of Hornung Family Funeral Home, 1212 W 2nd Street, Liberal, Kansas.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.hornungfuneralhome.com.
Paid obituary
