Richard W. Scott, 77, of Overland Park, KS and Tucson, AZ, passed away June 23, 2022, while surrounded by family. A Celebration of Life will be Saturday, July 9, 2022, at Porter Funeral Home, 8535 Monrovia, Lenexa, KS with visitation from 1:00-2:00pm and a service will follow at 2:00pm.
Dick was born Nov. 16, 1944, in Kansas City, MO to Larkin and Lorene Scott. He graduated from Atchison High School, received his bachelor’s degree from Fort Hays State University, a master’s degree from Pittsburg State University, and earned a doctorate degree from Nova University. Dick married his love, Doris Hampton, in 1964 and together they had two daughters. While Dick explored many career opportunities, including real estate and law enforcement, his passion for community college education led him to teach at numerous institutions. He taught Speech Communication, coached debate teams, and eventually moved into Academic Administrationbefore retiring from Johnson County Community College in 2015.
Growing up, his family lived in many parts of the country. His love of the Tucson, AZ area led him to retire there in 2015. He returned to the Kansas City area in 2021 to be close to family.
Dick was an avid traveler. His work took him to the Great Wall of China and Red Square in Russia, but he and Doris (often accompanied by his sister-in-law, Elinor Makings) particularly enjoyed trips to Istanbul, Turkey, a car trip through Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland, Gibraltar, and many areas of South America. In total, he visited 35 countries! He especially loved cruising, and cruises through the Baltic Sea and an Alaska cruise were among their favorites.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 45 years, Doris; and his daughter, Jennifer. Dick is survived by his daughter, Martha (David) Thomas; his sister, Sandra Holscher; grandchildren Ryan Thomas and Shannon (Joe) Lingenfelter; a great granddaughter, Sloane Lingenfelter; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and their families.
The family would like to thank the care teams at Avenue 81 Senior Living, Ignite Medical Resort, and Brookdale Shawnee Senior Care for their commitment to Dick’s health care during his last few months of life. Donations honoring Dick can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Fort Hays State University Foundation.