Richard “Dick” Harold Warkins passed away Thursday, October 26, 2017 at his home in Lawrence, KS. He was born January 3, 1948 to Harold and Edith Warkins in Princeton, IL. They later moved to Mount Morris where he attended school and graduated from Mount Morris High school. Dick was active in basketball and had a brilliant track record. He attended Peru state Teachers college in Peru, Nebraska and Kansas University working toward a degree in art.
Dick was an amazing musician who started playing the guitar at an early age and later the mandolin. He taught guitar in Lawrence both privately and at Off the Wall Hall. He played in several local groups, including “Murphy’s Law”,” Prairie Fire” and “Billy and the Beer Bellies”. Dick’s career in laminate fabrication started at K&M decorating. From there he started Lawrence Countertop which began in the Pohler warehouse and later moved to his home.
He married Connie Appleoff August 6, 1972 in Falls City.
Dick was preceded in death by his father, Harold and mother, Edith.
He is survived by his wife, Connie, daughters, Rachel and Jessie and granddaughter, Haizly Warkins, brother, David Warkins and wife, Mary Jane of Mount Morris, Illinois, sister, Susan Lyons of Tucson, Arizona and many nieces and nephews. Memorials may be made to the Haizly Warkins education fund or Douglas County Special Olympics and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary.
A celebration of life for Dick Warkins will be held beginning at 4:00 p.m. Saturday, November 25 at Kanwaka Township Hall, 776 Highway 40, Lawrence, KS. Service will be followed by sharing of memories, a potluck dinner and jam session.
