Richard Dean Carlson, 81, of St. Marys, Kansas, passed away on Wednesday (December 31, 2025) at St. Marys Manor.
Born January 17, 1944 in Wamego, Kansas, Richard was the son of Carl LeRoy and Ella (Caudill) Carlson. He married Cheryl Jean Siegle on April 17, 1965 in Westmoreland, Kansas. She survives.
Richard served his country as a First Lieutenant in the U. S. Army and Army National Guard. He was a graduate of St. Mary’s High School and earned his Bachelors Degree from Kansas State University and later graduated from the School of Banking with the University of Colorado.Richard dedicated his life to serving his community, building a career in agriculture, banking, and local enterprise before serving Pottawatomie County as a Commissioner and later in the Kansas House of Representatives from 2005–2015, where he chaired the House Taxation Committee.In 2016, he was appointed Kansas Secretary of Transportation, leading KDOT and the Kansas Turnpike Authority until retiring in 2019.
Richard was an amazing business man, an avid gunsmith who enjoyed restoring antique guns, a talented woodworker, a cowboy at heart, and a true family man. He loved working with his hands and took special pride in making things for his grandchildren—pieces that will be treasured long after he is gone. Those projects weren’t just hobbies to him; they were another way he showed his love.
Survivors include his wife, Cheryl; two sons, Brian Daniel Carlson (Tami Benes) of St. Marys, KS and Richard Douglas Carlson (Kody) of St. Marys, KS; six grandchildren, Jericka Barber (Aaron), Jordan Carlson, Wyatt Carlson (Loren), Bailey Carlson, Kasey Carlson, Kimber Carlson; ten great grandchildren, Paislee Dieter, Bronx Jones, Lindale Carlson, Lane Carlson, Stran Carlson, Kiera Barber, Brooklyn Gama Easton Barber, Bowen Barber and Ryatt Barber; and several nieces and nephews.Richard was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Carl L. Carlson.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday morning (January 6, 2026) at 10:00 at Trinity Baptist Church in Wamego with the Rev. Dr. Tony Mattia officiating.