Richard “Doc” Levi Kimmal, 84, of Wamego, KS, passed away peacefully Sunday, September 11, 2022, at his home surrounded by his family under the loving care of St. Croix Hospice.
Born July, 31, 1938 in Republic County, KS, Richard was the second born son of Howard and Gladys (Whitebread) Kimmal. He attended country school in Republic County until high schooland graduated from Concordia High School in 1957.
Richard married his high school sweetheart, Ella Mae Istas, on November 16, 1957, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Concordia, KS. She survives of the home. They enjoyed nearly 65 years of marriage and share their love with three children, Cindy Bisnette (Tim) of
Wamego, KS, Jerry Kimmal of Concordia, KS, and Kathy Wagoner (Paul) of Wamego, KS. Richard enjoyed being a grandfather to Jamie Swanson (Erik), Sam Bisnette (Magda), Adam Bisnette (Shanna), Jenna Barlow (Scott), and Megan Kugler (Jake) as well as to his twelve great-
grandchildren, Keegan, Ameliah, and Emery Swanson, Isaac, Elijah, and Caleb Bisnette, Brenn, Blake and Trey Barlow, and Jax, Kate and Ava Kugler.
Richard spent his career working in the electrical utilities business and retired from Jeffrey Energy Center near St. Mary’s, KS, in 2004. He loved being outdoors, tinkering on vintage cars and trucks, working in his garage, helping others with farm work and equipment, working on
remodeling projects and growing his prize garden. Many four legged friends were fortunate to be nurtured by his companionship and care throughout the years. Richard was a very skilled driver and heavy machinery operator and often told the story of how his teacher at the country school would let him drive her personal car into town to pick up classroom supplies before he had a driver’s license. His loved ones rarely left his presence without hearing “Be careful on the road and look out for the other guy!” He and Ella Mae were a blessing to their extended family
and many nieces and nephews. They valued spending time together with family and friends traveling, playing cards and hosting holiday and celebratory dinners at their home. Richard showed his love to people by teasing and joking around with them and will be remembered for
his sense of humor.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents and his older brother, Robert Kimmal, sister-in-law Mildred Kimmal and several brother and sister-in-laws.
Richard was a member of St. Bernard Catholic Church. Service and memorial information will be released at a later date.