Richard Alan “Dick” Olivier

Richard Alan “Dick” Olivier, 79, of Danville, Kansas passed away February 11, 2026 at the Anthony Community Care Center.  Dick had been a resident of the care center the past two years, following a car accident that left him unable to walk.

Dick was born on January 9, 1947 at the Joslin Hospital in Harper, Kansas.  He was the son of Walter Joseph and Helen Marie (Turner) Olivier and the brother of Dana, Donna, and Linda.  The family lived on a farm between Danville and Harper, where they were actively involved in church and school activities, 4-H Club, and a variety of sports, in addition to farm chores.

Dick attended Immaculate Conception Parochial School in Danville before going on to Harper High School, graduating with the class of 1965.  He participated in every sport possible: football, basketball, and track, and was an excellent baseball player.  Summer evenings often found the whole family attending one of Dick’s games, where he once struck out 14 batters and hit 3 home runs.

Following graduation, Dick attended Wichita State University for one year on a baseball scholarship before joining the work force at Cessna Aircraft Company.  This career lasted 40 years, with the exception of the 4 years that Dick served in the United States Air Force.

Dick entered the Air Force on May 5, 1969 and was trained as an Avionics Technician.  A veteran of the Vietnam War, he was stationed in Taiwan and was part of a crew that flew missions into Vietnam.  He was honorably discharged from active duty on April 27, 1973 with the rank of sergeant and was released from the Air Force Reserves on March 20, 1975.

When Dick returned home, he settle in Wichita and resumed his career at Cessna until his retirement in 2007.  A highlight of those years was being involved in the manufacture of a private jet for Arnold Palmer and accompanying him on the test flight.

In 1996, Dick fulfilled a long-time dream and had a house built on 10 acres near the Chikaskia River north of Danville.  After several years of commuting to Cessna, Dick retired and worked as the Postmaster of the Danville Post Office part-time.  H enow had time to pursue special interests such as hunting, taking part in trap shooting competitions, customizing a beautiful 1956 Chevy, following K-State football, spending time with friends at the Copper Lounge, and enjoying his Jack Russell Terriers, Buckshot and Birdie.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Helen Olivier; nephews, Scott Weaver and David Evert, and brothers-in-law, Ken Weaver and Larry Evert.  He is survived by, and will be missed by his sisters and their families: Dana Weaver of Strasburg, Colorado and son, Mike (Susan) Weaver and family, Donna Evert of Jefferson City, Missouri and her daughter, Suzanne, Linda (Fred) Straughn of Fr. Worth Texas and son, Chris (Leigh) Straughn and their sons and daughter, Jamie (Paul) Buemi and family.

Dick’s sisters would like to express our sincere thanks to Mike Mackey and Roy Jacobs for their constant help and support during the past two years and the staff of the Anthony Community Care Center for the kindness and care given to our brother.

Graveside Service is at the Fairview Cemetery, south of Danville at 12:00 p.m. Friday, April 17, 2026 honoring Dick and will be followed by a lunch at the Danville Parish Hall.  All who knew Dick are invited to attend and celebrate his life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Anthony Community Care Center or Chaparral HS Trap Shooting Club and can be sent in care of the funeral home.

Prairie Rose Funeral Homes, 613 W 14th St ~ Harper, Kansas  67058. Online condolences can be left at www.prairierosefuneralhomes.com