Richard (Dick) Bentley Tanksley was born February 28, 1936, in Wichita, Kansas and was called home by Jesus as he departed this life peacefully at home, surrounded by the love of his family, on December 11, 2020, at the age of 84 years, 9 months and 13 days.
He spent his younger years in Wichita, Kansas, graduating from WSU in 1958 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.
He said that his most rewarding experience was being married to his bride for 64 years, Rose Marie, and his grandchildren were his Numero Uno hobby. Preaching was his most rewarding professional experience.
Dick was employed as Commissioner of Property and Insurance of KCMO for over 30 years. He was a member of the International Right of Way Assoc. & he also taught the Dead Sea Scrolls for SPARK at UMKC. He was the Pastor of the Cleveland Christian Church in MO for 11 years. He served on the Board of Directors as President of Camp Fire, Inc. & also was a broker of Commercial Real Estate with Victor Ross and CO.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, William Bentley & Alice Pearl (Johnson) Tanksley, & 1 grandson, Nicholas Rodriguez.
He is survived by his wife, Rose Marie Tanksley of the home; one son, Richard Tanksley; 2 daughters, Sherrie Schaich & husband Marlin, and Susan Calltharp & husband Todd; 3 grandchildren, Ashley Vohs & husband Stephen, Matthew Schaich & wife Laurel, and Rachel Madl & husband Parker; 1 great granddaughter, Harper.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, a private graveside service will be held with Rev. Joe Walker officiating. The family suggests contributions to the Country Club Christian Church, 6101 Ward Parkway, Kansas City, Missouri 64113, where Richard was an active and faithful member.
5 Messages
Very sorry to hear of Dicks passing. I worked with him at the City of KCMo for many years. What a great friend and public servant!
Dick Tanksley meant a lot to me and many others. He was a man who valued family, integrity, church, baseball, and his city, Kansas City, Missouri. He loved his wife Rosemarie to the very end. He will be missed.
Marlin Schaich
I was proud to work with Dick because he was so happy to please the Finance & Audit Committee and his followup was always timely and responsive to the citizens. Thanks for sharing him with KCMO for all those years and I extend my sincere condolences to the entire family. jmcollins.
In the 1970s, when I was working for the urban renewal agency in Kansas City, I spent many hours with Dick pouring over property records with Dick. I remember his interesting sense of humor and his willingness to go the extra mile to help. Though our career paths separated us these many years, my memories of him have often been recalled, fondly.
Sorry for your loss. Condolences to his family and friends.
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