Richard Alan Mullin, age 70, of St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away at his home on Wednesday, December 17, 2025.
Richard was born on April 2, 1955, in Topeka, Kansas, and grew up in Hoyt, Kansas. He was the fourth of six children born to Robert and Elsie (Randall) Mullin. He graduated from Royal Valley High School in 1973.
On March 11, 1974, Richard married Debra A. Mullin. Together, they designed and built their family home in Hoyt, Kansas, where they raised their two children and built a life grounded in hard work and family.
Later in life, Richard married Linda Rogers on March 4, 2004. Richard and Linda began their marriage residing in their home in Hoyt, Kansas, before later relocating to St. Joseph, Missouri, where they shared many years together building a life shaped by companionship, shared experiences, and love.
Affectionately known to many as “Whitey,” Richard devoted more than 45 years to a fulfilling career in maintenance within the dog food industry, working in Topeka, Kansas, and St. Joseph, Missouri. Known for his strong work ethic and mechanical ability, he took pride in solving problems and fixing what others could not. During that time, he paused his industry career to own and operate a remodeling business and, in partnership with his wife, Linda, owned and operated a bar in Valley Falls, Kansas, before returning to industry work and later relocating to St. Joseph, Missouri.
Richard genuinely loved working with his hands and fixing things, but his heart also belonged to his four-legged companions. An avid dog lover, he shared his life with several loyal canine companions over the years, each holding a special place in his heart.
In his free time, Richard enjoyed oldies music, dancing, the outdoors, and spending time with family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Elsie Mullin; his brothers, Robert E. Mullin Jr. and John D. Mullin; his sister, Vicki L. Nelson; and his nephew, David E. Hainline.
Richard is survived by his wife, Linda Mullin; his children, Misty (Jerid) Brobst of Topeka, Kansas, and Joshua (Jamie) Mullin of Topeka, Kansas; his step-daughter, Marti (Rob) McDaniel; five grandsons he loved dearly, Devin (Erin) Bailey of Kansas City, Missouri, Jordan (Morgan) Bailey of Pomona, Kansas, Triston Brobst of Colorado, Preston McDaniel and Owen McDaniel of Topeka; and two great-granddaughters, Lynlei and Laityn Bailey of Pomona, Kansas. He is also survived by his sister, Betty Hainline of Hoyt, Kansas; his brother, William “Bill” Mullin of Massachusetts; three nieces; two nephews; and several great-nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Topeka, Kansas, with details to be announced at a later date. Natural Farewell under the direction of Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory.
