Richard Dean Dudley

Richard Dean Dudley, age 81, of Ulysses, Kansas died Sunday, December 6, 2015 at Park View Assisted Living in Ulysses, Kansas. He was born May 5, 1934 in Denver, Colorado, the son of Lee and Hermina Dudley.

Richard grew up in Denver. He was Honorably Discharged from The United States Navy, after serving his country for four years. He ran the Realto Theater in Denver. Richard married Norma Jean Seeley on June 8, 1966 in Las Vegas, Nevada. They worked side by side operating The Dash In Drive-In and The Crystal Ice Cream Parlor in Gunnison, Colorado. Norma and Richard moved to Ulysses, Kansas in August of 1972. They purchased and operated The Movies and Ulysses Drive-In. Richard was active in promoting downtown Ulysses and helped others start numerous businesses. He had a part in raising many kids in Ulysses. He was also a member of the Dexter D. Harbour American Legion Post #79. Richard and Norma were Grant County Citizens of the Year in 2008.

He is survived by daughters, Terri Lynn Ryles and husband Bob of Tiger, Georgia, Laurie Walta and husband Danny of Caldwell, Kansas, Linda Velasquez and husband Robert of Ulysses, Kansas; brother, Larry Dudley of Littleton, Colorado; six grandchildren, Gara Lee, Crystal Hagerman, Danna Bartley and husband Ross, Dylan Walta, Jordan Velasquez, Nicholas Velasquez; and three great-grandchildren, Rhett, Quintin, and Colby Lee.

He is preceded in death by his parents; wife; daughter, Tina Rader; and siblings, Lee, Doris, Maxine, and Frankie.

Funeral service will be held Saturday, December 12, 2015 at 10:00 AM at the Country View Baptist Church in Ulysses, Kansas with Reverend Sam Bynum officiating. Interment will follow at the Ulysses Cemetery in Ulysses with military graveside rites conducted by Dexter D. Harbour American Legion Post #79. Friends may call Friday, December 11, 2015 from 10:00 AM until 8:00 PM at Garnand Funeral Home in Ulysses. Memorial contributions may be given to the American Cancer Society or American Heart Association both in care of Garnand Funeral Home, 405 W. Grant Ave, Ulysses, KS 67880.