Richard Shum

Richard Shum, age 80, passed away peacefully on February 5, 2024, at his home.

He was born on September 4, 1943, in Washington, Kansas, to Marvin and Marjorie Rowland Shum.

Richard married Beverly Mustain in Washington, KS, and they were later divorced. He was later united in marriage to Myrna Bauman Ahlers in McPherson, KS, on July 17, 1987. She survives of the home.

Richard grew up on the family farm and attended Washington Schools, graduating in 1961. Upon graduation, he worked with his dad and brother on the family farm, where they grew crops and had feeder cattle. In 1972, the cattle were sold when his father, Marvin, developed a rare illness and could no longer farm. He then worked a short time for Landoll Manufacturing and Linn Post and Pipe, where he learned his craft of welding, and he'd been welding ever since. Richard then farmed for himself and raised hogs. In 1978, Richard started his own welding business, Shum Manufacturing, in Washington, KS. This business closed in 1983 due to the economy at that time. He then worked for a couple of other companies as a welder. In 1993, he started his business again, custom welding and manufacturing Diamond S Enterprises in rural Wamego, KS, where he welded out in the field. This became his favorite part of his business. He manufactured steel cattle fences, riding arenas, gates, and hog equipment all over Kansas and Missouri. He has erected grain bins for Sioux Manufacturing and tarped hoop buildings across Kansas, Missouri, and Colorado. The business was sold in 2016 due to his declining health. 

Richard was devoted to and loved his Lord, Jesus Christ. He was active in his church, New Life Baptist Church, in Wamego, KS. Richard taught Sunday School until his health declined, but he remained an Elder Pastor for the church. As a pastime, he enjoyed sitting on the front porch watching the birds, the cattle across the road, and any wildlife that came into view. He says his ministry was praying for people whether he knew them or not. As he sat on the porch, he would pray for all the people in the vehicles that went by. He forbade anyone to park in front of the doors of their home because it blocked his ministry. After all, he couldn't see who was going by that he needed to pray for. Praying occupied a significant portion of his day. He also had a passion for books; reading was a relaxing pastime. He read a lot of Westerns by almost any author and especially enjoyed Christian Westerns. 

He is survived by his wife, Myrna Shum of Belvue, KS; children, Daniel (Alicia) Shum, Springfield, MO; Lisa (Brent) Alexander, Springfield, MO; Richard (Melanie) Ahlers, Copperas Cove, TX and Angela Ahlers, Lawrence, KS; 14 grandchildren: Jonathan Riehm, Jordan (Amanda) Riehm, Jordan (Mercedes) Moseley, Lauren Johnston, Alicia (Kasey) Crump, Skyler (Braydon) Guillory, Travis Alexander, Rebekah (Noah) Shifflett, Jessica Ahlers, Danielle (Isaac) Henson, Ethan Ahlers, Dawson Moseley, Kaylee Moseley, and Mollie Moseley; 14 great-grandchildren: Jadon, Jaxon, Jenavieve, Jamison and Julian Riehm, Jayce, Jerrett, and Joel Riehm, Easton Moseley, Ronin and Renji Crump, Elizabeth and Grayson Shifflett, Wiley Henson, Astrid Guillory; nephew, Marc (Pam) Wingo, Salina, KS; nieces, Jeanette (Keith) Kibodeaux,  Lafayette, LA, and Susie Young, Leavenworth,  KS. Sister, Lila Wingo of Salina; Brothers-in-law, Ronald (Sandy) Bauman, Hendricks, MN, Darald (Peggy) Baumen; Gary, SD, Marlin Bauman, Gary, SD, Charles (Melanie) Bauman, Lebanon, MO; and sisters-in-law, Darlene Thiesen, Clear Lake, SD, Joanne (Darryl) Mauseth, Clear Lake, SD; Teresa (Steve) Bourassa, Fountain Hills, AZ. 

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, a brother, Robert, a niece, Karen, and a granddaughter, Elizabeth Grace, and brother-in-law, Kenny Thiesen. 

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am, Saturday, February 10, 2024, at Campanella and Stewart Funeral Home in Wamego. Interment will follow in Laclede Cemetery. The family will greet friends for a visitation on Friday, February 9, 2024, from 6:00 until 8:00 pm at Campanella and Stewart Funeral Home in Wamego. Memorial contributions are suggested to Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home to be designated at a later date per the famililies request.