Richard “Dick” Mehas, 96, passed away on August 30, 2026, in Warrensburg, Missouri, one day before he and his beloved wife, Janet “Janie” Mehas, would have celebrated their 74th wedding anniversary.

Richard was born August 6, 1930, in La Jolla, California, to George and Claudia Mehas. He grew up with his older brother, John, with the beach, playground and his Dad’s café being extensions of home. He spent his boyhood swimming, body surfing, skimboarding, playing beach volleyball, riding bicycles, building things, and exploring the California coast, a childhood he remembered with great affection throughout his life.

As a young man, Richard served in the United States Army during the Korean War era. After his military service, he returned to Graceland College, where he participated in basketball, tennis and track, and set the school’s high-jump record. It was also at Graceland that two of the most important parts of his life took shape: his ministry and his marriage.

Richard was ordained to the priesthood in December 1951. Soon afterward, he met Janet Cooper. Their first date was January 18, 1952; by May they were engaged, and on August 31, 1952, they were married in Janet's home congregation in Charleroi, Pennsylvania. Their partnership would endure for nearly three-quarters of a century.

Richard and Janet eventually made their home in the Kansas City area, but their early married years included California and Lawrence, Kansas, where Richard completed his bachelor's degree at the University of Kansas. He began a career in education, teaching physical education and coaching.

One of the defining adventures of Richard and Janet's young marriage came in 1958. Wanting deeply to become parents, they traveled to Greece with Richard's father and returned 72 days later with two small children, Kathryn Joanne and Gregory Mark. In time their family grew again with the births of Kristine Diane and Kimberly Ann.

Faith was woven throughout Richard's life. He served his church in many capacities, including as an elder and later as a high priest. When the family moved to Warrensburg, Missouri, Richard served for five years as an associate to the campus minister at Central Missouri State University, working with college students through the Liahona House. He later accepted a pastoral call and continued serving congregations throughout his life. His faith was not merely something he professed; it repeatedly shaped the decisions he made about family, work and service.

Richard's professional life took several turns over the years. In addition to teaching and coaching, he later served as a high school principal, and then junior high school assistant principal and principal in Grandview. Whatever his title, he brought to his work the same qualities that marked much of his life: energy, curiosity, perseverance and a willingness to begin again when life changed course.

Family life was rarely dull. Richard and Janet raised four children, built lives in several communities and found ways to make those communities their own. In Cuba, Missouri, the family became involved in community theater through the Cuba Arts Council, where Janet wrote the music and lyrics for three musicals and Richard sang in the chorus of the productions. The family remained connected to church life, friendships, music, and the many people they met along the way.

In his later years, Richard was happiest keeping busy at home. He took great pride in his yard and always seemed to have a home project underway. Whether planting, tending the yard, repairing something or finding something new to work on, he enjoyed working with his hands and caring for the home he and Janet shared.

Richard was also a storyteller. In his later years, he wrote My Story, an autobiography for his children that he continued to expand as more memories surfaced and as he decided there were more pieces of himself he wanted them to know. He remembered not only the milestones, but the small things—the sound of the waves in La Jolla, childhood friends, basketball games, church gatherings, family trips, mistakes, unexpected turns and people who had touched his life. In doing so, he left his family something more valuable than a record of dates and accomplishments: he left them his own account of the life he had lived.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, George and Claudia Mehas; his brother, John Mehas; and his son, Gregory Mehas.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 74 years, Janet Louise Mehas; his daughters, Kathryn Jenkins (Dale), Kristine Smith and Kim Steele (Chris); his grandchildren, Stephanie, Celeste, Alisha, Rachelle, George, Andrea, Caleb, Ben and Beth; and many beloved great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends. His life continues in the family he and Janet built together and in the stories, faith and memories he took such care to preserve for them.

Visitation will be held Saturday, September 5, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 2:00 p.m. at Grandview Community of Christ, 12600 Byars Road, Grandview, Missouri 64030. A graveside service will follow at Longview Funeral Home & Cemetery, 12700 Raytown Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64149.

Richard’s support of Outreach International was a meaningful part of his life, and the organization held a special place in his heart. For those who feel called to do something in Richard's memory beyond flowers and words, a contribution to Outreach International, 112 W 18th Street, Kansas City, MO 64108, would be a beautiful way to honor him. In doing so, his generosity and compassion can continue to make a difference in the lives of others, just as he would have wanted.