Richard Perez, 80, of Wichita, Kansas, passed away on November 11, 2023, surrounded by his family at St. Francis hospital after a brave battle to recover from an abdominal aneurysm.

Born on October 4, 1943, in Chicago, Illinois, Richard was a beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Richard served as an artillery gunner in the Army National Guard for 4 years. He had a legendary work ethic and that led to success in his careers of welding at Coleman and metal fabrication at Boeing. Richard was key in developing a new process to reduce the sound from jet engines by more than 6 times the existing levels. Boeing patented the process under Richard's name, and it is still in use today.

Richard was a funny, kind, and reserved man. He loved cheering on the Kansas Jayhawks Basketball team. He was an avid Chicago Bears fan and likely has watched every action-adventure movie made. He had a passion for DIY projects and enjoyed working on them with his brother Billy. Richard also had a deep love for Rock and Roll and could occasionally be found dancing around the house to Queen, Fats Domino, and many others.

Richard is survived by Jacob and Madelyn Perez of the home, who provided loving care and assistance to Richard for the preceding 8 years, his siblings Peter Perez, Espher Benthusen, and Billy Perez, his children: Richard Perez, Jr., Mark Perez, Anthony Perez, Ricki Perez, and Tammy Shaver. He is also survived by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, totaling 18 and 22 respectively. He was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 50 years, Sharon Perez, his parents, Frank and Jessie Perez, his daughter Missy Mullin, and his grandson Ethan Perez.

Funeral services for Richard will be held on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, at 10:30 am at Baker Funeral Home, located at 6100 E Central Ave., Wichita, KS 67208. A grave site service at Resurrection Cemetery and lunch (at Mark Perez's House) will follow the funeral service.