Richard Leap a longtime Wichita resident passed away Saturday January 9, 2021 at the Mt. Hope Nursing center just one day after his birthday at the age of 82. A celebration of life service is being planned for this spring/summer. Richard was born in Furley, Kansas on January 8 ^th , 1939 to Richard and Marie Leap. He lived in Furley on a farm until moving to Yates Center, Kansas in 1950. He attended Yates Center High School and graduated in 1956. He then attended Allen Community College and worked for Johnson Funeral Home and Furniture Store. 1956 was a big year for Richard as he married his high school sweetheart, Kay Johnson in Yates Center November 10 ^th of 1956. They remained in Yates Center until 1962. They then moved to Wichita where Richard began barber school. After graduating barber school, he barbered in Wichita for 7 years before changing careers to a professional dog handler where Richard and Kay traveled to many states making life- long friends. During this time, they also became owners of the Dog and Cat Toggery for 40 years before retiring in 2007. In 2015 Richard and Kay moved to Maple Gardens Village after living in their first and only home near Maize for 50 years. After many health issues in January of 2020 Richard became a resident at Mt. Hope Nursing Center. He enjoyed bingo, crafts, visits from his family, and keeping his caregivers on their toes! Our deepest appreciation goes out to all of his caregivers at Mt. Hope Nursing Center that put up with his jokes and his everyday orneriness.

He is preceded in death by his parents Richard and Marie Leap and infant brother Loren. Richard is survived by his wife Kay Leap of 64 years, daughter Sheryln Helm (Rob) of Maize, son Darin Leap (Betsy) of Wichita; siblings Joan Brilke (Fred), Jeannette Abbott (George), Jacqueline Smith (Jerry), Bill Leap (Kathy), Joyce Davies (Tom), Jane Weast (Randy); six grandchildren Courtney Jansson (Andy), Kayln Helm, Kyler Helm, Carson Leap, Karis Helm, and Camrie Leap. great-grandchildren Kydon Foster, Kinsley Jansson, and Koehn Jansson. One step granddaughter Brittany Bazelle and step great grandson Tomas. As well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Richard loved having his family around especially his grandchildren that loved all of his animals, his "treasures" that he always had on his table, many dishes of ice cream, singing silly songs, and doing crafts with them. A memorial has been established in Richard's name with the Yates Center United Methodist Church 307 S Grove Yates Center, Kansas 66783. He will be greatly missed especially by his family and all of those who knew him.

Condolences may be left for the family at www.bakerfhvc.com