Rick Moran

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Richard Thomas “Rick” Moran, age 73, passed away at 2:08 pm, Wednesday, July 7, 2021 at St Joseph Regional Health Center, Madisonville, Texas after a sudden illness.

Rick was born April 11, 1948 in Queens, New York. His parents were Norman and Kathryn (Shanley) Moran. Rick had lived in Galena since 1981, moving from Goodland, KS.

He was a Vietnam War veteran serving in the US Air Force from 1969 – 1973. He then began working in the Civil Service, first attached to the U S Navy and later assigned to the FAA. He last worked as an Electrical Field Engineer at the Joplin MO Airport, retiring in 2009. Rick had worked for the government for a total of 42 ½ years.

He was a member of the St Patrick’s Catholic Church. He also was a member of the Disabled American Veterans and the Joplin Bowling Association in additional to supporting numerous national organizations. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and coaching youth sports. He loved to tinker on projects in his garage in his spare time. His greatest joy was watching his grandkids activities.

Rick was married to Wanda Frazier on March 13, 1971 in Wichita, KS. She survives.

Additional survivors include 3 sons, Richard J Moran (Karla), NW Arkansas, Robert Moran, Miami, OK, and P J Moran (Nathan), Diamond, MO; one daughter, Rhonda Dawson (Stacey), Ft Scott, KS; a cousin he treated like a son, Scotty Roy, Galena; 11 grandchildren, Richard T Moran III, Ayden B Moran, Zachary K Moran, Josh Davis, Greg Smith, Trevor Price, Megan Reed, Alicia Baker, Dylan Pinkerton, Katelyn Moran, and Jared Moran; and 11 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one son, Randy Moran, one granddaughter, Jimi Kay Moran, and two brothers, Don Moran and Bobby Moran.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 am, Thursday, July 15, 2021 at Derfelt Funeral Home, Galena, KS. Fr. Robert Wachter will officiate. Burial will follow Military rites in Oak Hill Cemetery, Galena, KS.

The family will receive friends from 6:00– 8:00 pm, Wednesday, July 14, 2021 at Derfelt Funeral Home, Galena, KS.