March 22, 2020

Richard “Dick” Etherton, 84, of Lee’s Summit, MO, and formerly of Raytown, MO, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 20, 2020, after a hard-fought battle with cancer.

He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Marilyn “Jan” Etherton, sons Mark (Tami) and Dustin (Michelle), four grandchildren Kyle (Jessica), Jake, Breanna and Kayla, and brothers Don and Bruce. He is preceded in death by his father, Lloyd, mother, Minnie, and brother, Bill.

Dick was born in 1935 in Breckenridge, MO, and was an Army veteran, stationed in Texas and Germany. One of his favorite stories to tell was of his time in the Army serving alongside Elvis Presley. He and Jan moved to Raytown, MO, in 1964 to raise their two sons in the wonderful community where they lived until 2012.

He is known fondly for his silly jokes, fun stories and big hugs. Dick loved his family more than anything and always left you with his famous saying, “You’re a joy to my heart.” He was certainly a joy to everyone who knew him and he will be missed every day.

A celebration of life will be planned when circumstances allow. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the John Knox Village Foundation or the John Knox Village Care Center.