Richard Alonzo, Sr. ... Age 84

Memorial Service 2 PM Tuesday, December 26, 2017 at Eddy-Birchard Funeral Home with military honors

Memorials:Go Fund me account has been set up at the link below
https://www.gofundme.com/gee4ys-helping-a-veteran

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Richard Alonzo Sr. age 84 of Osawatomie, KS died Thursday December 14, 2017 at Olathe Medical Center.

Richard was born July 11, 1933 in Hutchison, Kansas. He was one of twelve children born to Dario and Tefala (Caster) Alonzo. He grew up in Hutchison where he attended school until the tenth grade. Then in 1952, Richard enlisted in the United States Army. He was stationed in Fort Knox, Kentucky. He was a member of the Military Police force during the Korean War.

On January 20, 1954, he was honorably discharged. Richard married Billie Jean Alonzo and together they had four children Verenia, Connie, Richard Jr. and Derek. They made their home in Osawatomie. Richard worked for the railroad as an engineer and brakeman for a short time. He was a jack of all trades. He sold newspapers, washed windows, cleaned cars, made and delivered cheese and onion enchiladas to people around town.

Richard was a hardworking man. He taught his children and grandchildren to work hard and always finish what they start. Richard didn’t care if he had anything himself but made sure his family was taken care of. He was a jokester and made everyone laugh. Richard was active in the VFW and marched in the local parades carrying a flag with pride. He helped to put flags on graves in the local cemeteries for Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day.  He loved baseball. Especially the Royals and the St. Louis Cardinals.

He was preceded in death by his wife Bill Jean, parents and seven siblings.

Survivors include children Verenia Nash of Paola, KS, Connie Schwegler of Overland Park, KS, Richard Alonzo Jr. of Gardner, KS and Derek Alonzo of Osawatomie, KS. Four grandchildren Chanel, Megan, Richard III and Camry and one great grandson Ryker. Along with other family and friends.