Richard Dolloff, 1941 – 2023
Herman Richard Dolloff Jr., “Bear,” 81, died Sunday, January 22, 2023. He was born July 4th, 1941 to Herman and Nada (Wood) Dolloff in Seagraves, Texas.
Richard “Bear” spent his first two years of life residing at the hospital where doctors performed many surgeries on his hands and feet due to 
damage caused by the umbilical cord prior to his birth.
His family moved to Wichita, Kansas when he was two years old. He graduated from Wichita High School East in 1960 where he lettered two years in football, wrestled, and was a strong member of the East High student community.
Fred Elder played on East High’s football and wrestling teams with Richard. He recalled, “Richard was a fine football player who played while missing many fingers and toes from his prior surgeries, as is mentioned in the obituary.” The 1960 Echoes yearbook includes the photo at right, which describes him as a returning letterman playing left tackle.
Richard “Bear” graduated from Wichita State University where he received his BFA and BAE degrees in 1967. Richard worked as the head of the Derby Senior High Art Department for 30 years and painted houses along with being a local artist. He worked hard and invested his wisdom and talents into countless lives. Richard is remembered for his honesty, encouragement, incredible talent, and willingness to teach and share his gifts.
Richard “Bear” was preceded in death by his parents, Herman Richard “Dick” Dolloff Sr., and Nada B. Dolloff, and brothers, Lawrence and Howard.
Richard “Bear” is survived by Phyllis Dolloff; and daughters Michelle Martling, Stacy (David) Hutchison, Shelly (Rick) Goscha, Sandy Mackey, and Becky Fanning; grandchildren, Ashley Parks, Brittney Armbeck, Hailey Greiving, Zachary Hutchison, Cody Pitts, Bayley Krumsick, Brendan Goscha, Callie Goscha, Kelsey Goscha, Christopher Ormiston, Collin Mackey, Rachel Fanning, Ryan Fanning; and 11 great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm, Thursday, February 2, 2023 at Smith Family Mortuary, 1415 North Rock Road, Derby, Kansas 67037. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Dream Center ICT.
Editor’s Note. Thank you to David Robinson for bringing this to our attention. This Smith Mortuary site includes notes from Richard’s students, family, and friends.
One note from Smith Mortuary is included below along with two photos of Richard and students in the 1980’s.
Condolences
He was patient, kind, encouraging, and always saw the talent in his students that they themselves couldn´t.
I´ve spent 30 years telling stories about my favorite art teacher and how incredible his artwork was.
My heart goes out to his family and loved ones. I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Dolloff said as a very good man.
