Richard D. Viter

Services for Mr. Viter may be viewed at:

https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/QJBM43SJN4B9HNHD

Richard Dale Viter, 93, of Independence, MO, returned to his heavenly home on August 27, 2020.

Richard, who went by Dick, was born on November 20, 1926 in Gothenburg, NE, to parents Gust and Alice Viter. Gust and Alice were very blessed to have seventeen children born between 1922 and 1946. Dick was one of eleven boys and 6 girls. Dick was the couples’ fourth born child so he grew up helping his mother and father look after his many younger siblings. Dick was especially close to his brothers Clarence, Junior “Oop” and Ward. He recalled many fond memories of him and his brothers who were well known around town as “the Viter boys.”

Dick joined the Navy in 1944 at the age of seventeen. He was a signalman on the USS Savo Island. He proudly remembered the day his ship found out the war was over; He saw “a sea of white hats” thrown in the air with the good news! After the war was over he continued his duty to bring home the U.S. soldiers.

He then settled in Kansas City, MO, following his brother Clarence. He got a job working at Folgers Coffee Company in 1952. He would soon meet his wife, Beverly “Jean” Viter who worked just across the street at Poindexter’s retail. He first spotted Jean through the window and after months of passing sweet notes back and forth they finally went on their first date. She was completely smitten by his naturally good looks, sweet smile and genuine heart. From then on they were never apart. They married on November 23, 1954, and spent 64 years together before Jean’s passing last year on June 8, 2019.

A few years after they married Dick and Jean moved to Independence, MO, and had two beautiful daughters, Theresa Irene Vaughn (Tom Shoemaker) and Jennifer Lynn Hogan (Tom Hogan). From the very beginning Dick was a very loving and involved father. No matter how long his work shift was he never let that, or anything, take away from his family. He was also an involved member in their church, Abiding Savior Lutheran Church. The family never missed a Sunday. Dick’s coffee skills were put to good use at the church too. For over 30 years he would greet you by name with a smile and a cup of coffee. He also would make Kool-aid for the children while Jean was a volunteer bible school teacher. They both cherished the memories and relationships they made there.

Dick was grateful to have a long and successful career at Folgers Coffee Company for 37 years before he retired in 1989. Dick and Jean were blessed with their only grandchild, Lindsey Jean Minnick, whom they shared an exceptionally close relationship with. And in March of 2018 Dick became a great grandfather to McCrae Minnick.

Dick was truly one of a kind. His caring heart and generous nature were qualities that set him apart. He will be remembered for his deep devotion to his family and faith as well as always being a helping hand to neighbors and friends.

Visitation will be from 1-2 pm Friday, September 11, 2020 at Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E 39th St S, Independence, MO 64055. Funeral service will be immediately following at 2pm. Burial will follow at Mt. Washington Cemetery. For family and friends that would like to view the funeral service online there will be a link provided of the recording.

Visitation will be from 1-2 pm Friday, September 11, 2020 at Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E 39th St S, Independence, MO 64055. Funeral service will be immediately following at 2pm. Burial will follow at Mt. Washington Cemetery. For family and friends that would like to view the funeral service online there will be a link provided of the recording.