Richard James McCune

Richard James “Dick” McCune, 87, of Olathe, Kansas, passed away peacefully at home, one week before his 88th birthday.

Dick was born in Minatare, Nebraska, to Alberta “Bert” Bess Martindale and Roy “Mick” Lewis McCune. He spent much of his childhood on his grandparents’ farm with his cousins, where he developed a lifelong appreciation for nature and learned many of the practical skills that served him throughout his life.

Dick graduated from high school in Nebraska, where he participated in football, track, the Boys’ Quartette, and a junior play. During those years, he formed a lifelong friendship with Byron “Barney” McGinley, who would later introduce Dick to his sister, Helen.

Following high school, Dick served four years in the United States Air Force. He was stationed in Glasgow, Montana, with the 476th Air Defense Fighter Group and served with the 13th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron. Trained as an engineer and specialized aircraft mechanic, he worked on F-101 Voodoo fighter aircraft as a member of the “VooDoo Medicine Men” during the Cold War.

After his military service, Dick and his cousin Cork operated “Cork & Dick’s” Texaco station in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. In 1961, Dick married Helen, and they made their home in Gering, Nebraska, where they raised their four daughters.

Dick began his long career with US Telecom, later Sprint, working as an engineer. His career took him to numerous locations throughout the United States and abroad, including Italy, Japan, England, and San Francisco. He retired from Sprint in 2003 following a 40-year career.

Dick was proud of his Irish heritage and spent much of his retirement researching his family history. His genealogy research led him to the family’s ancestral home in Ireland, which he visited with Helen and their daughter Maureen.

He enjoyed gardening, golfing, pheasant hunting, playing cards with friends, traveling, and spending time outdoors. A lifelong Nebraska Cornhuskers fan, he also enjoyed watching Kansas City Chiefs games. He and Helen particularly enjoyed their annual road trips and frequent trips back to Nebraska, which Dick affectionately called “back home.”

Dick was a devoted husband and father and a proud “girl dad.” He was a man of few words who expressed his love through his actions. He was dependable, generous, and always willing to help his family, often going to great lengths to be there when he was needed.

Dick was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Helen, and his parents.

He is survived by his four daughters, Maureen, Melissa, Cassandra, and Bridget; 10 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; his brother, Mike (Marilyn) McCune of Colorado; and his brother-in-law and lifelong friend, Byron “Barney” McGinley.

A private family service will be held in Olathe, Kansas, on Thursday, September 24, 2026. Dick will be laid to rest in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, in October 2026.

He will be remembered for his quiet strength, devotion to his family, love of nature, and unwavering willingness to help those he loved. He was deeply loved and will be greatly missed.

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