Richard Creighton Gallagher

Richard Creighton Gallagher, 87, passed away peacefully on December 11, 2013 at Midland Hospice House. Richard was born on February 22, 1926 in Seattle, Washington. At the age of 1, his family moved to San Diego, California. At the age of 17, Richard made the decision to graduate high school mid-term his senior year, and asked his parents' permission to enlist in the United States Marine Corp so he could fight for his country in World War II. Richard served with distinction in the USMC and was severely wounded during the invasion of Iwo Jima. After the war, he moved to Topeka, Kansas and worked as a fireman and plumber/pipefitter for Local 165 of the Plumbers and Pipefitters Union. Richard was a talented and hard working craftsman. He loved to hunt, fish, and enjoy the outdoors by taking walks. He will be remembered as a brave soldier, loving father and grandfather. He married Kathleen Burgat on June 6, 1948 in Topeka, Kansas. She preceded him in death on October 12, 2003. Also preceding him in death was a grandson Spencer Gallagher. Surviving family include his children, Steven Gallagher and his wife Cyndi of Denver, Colorado, Jan Wiese and her husband Dave of Topeka, grandchildren Creighton Gallagher, Brett, Dan, Ben, and Annie Wiese, and four great grandchildren. The funeral service will be 1:00 p.m. Monday, December 16, 2013 at the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 11:00 to 1:00 p.m., prior to the service. Interment will be in Mount Hope Cemetery with Military Honors provided by the Philip Billard Post 1650 of the V.F.W. Fond memories and condolences may be left at www.brennanmathenafh.com.