Richard Pierce Hougen, died on October 18, 2022 at age 59, of hypertensive cardiovascular disease.
Richard was born in Ft. Benning, Georgia, to Harvey Richard Hougen and Doris Pierce Hougen, on January 29, 1963. He spent most of his life in Kansas, residing in Manhattan, Lawrence, and Kansas City. He graduated from Manhattan High School in 1981, where he participated in vocal and instrumental music. He was active in drama and forensics, and earned awards on the state level. He attended Kansas State University, as well as BRC Audio Engineering School.
Rich was a natural musician, and was blessed with a beautiful singing voice. He could play several instruments, but he considered himself a guitarist first and foremost. He played in several bands in Lawrence and Manhattan. When he wasn’t on stage, he could be found mixing sound for live music events. He designed sound for several theatrical productions at Park University.
Richard was a gifted writer. He was passionate about politics, and frequently worked to get out the vote throughout Missouri and Kansas. On several occasions, he collected signatures to get various issues onto the ballot.
Richard is remembered for his kindness to people as well as animals. He was a loyal son, brother, friend, and neighbor.
Richard was pre-deceased by his parents. He is the youngest of five siblings, and is survived by his sisters, Diane (Ron) Anderson of Sidney, Ohio; and Janie (Brad) Peak of Parkville, Missouri. In 2012, he learned that he had another sister, Jonna (Sam) Herring, of Winchester, Illinois, and a brother, Mark Albers, of Ellington, Missouri. He leaves behind 12 nieces and nephews, and countless friends in Kansas and Missouri, and all over the United States.
There will be a memorial service at English Landing Park in Parkville, Missouri on August 12, 2023 at 3:00 p.m., in the River Shelter.
Loosing a member of one’s family is one of hardest thing’s we face in our life. My nephew was a kind, loving soul. At his mother’s memorial I learned how gifted he was as a writer. Rest in peace my sweet nephew. Prayer’s & love are with the family at this sad time. God’s Grace. Aunt Carole & Uncle Larry.
Richard my friend, there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think of you. Your kindness, gentleness passion and humor inspire me everyday to be better.In times when I’m feeling less kind and gentle than I should I ask myself ” WWRD” What would Richard do? I figure it out and act accordingly. He had many adventures you ,Carol and I ( the Happy 3 we called ourselves. A few misadventures as well. I shouldn’t speak for Carol but I’m gonna. I know she still treasures those memories as much as I.. My heart is filled with sadness for his family and his many, many friends, some of them I know others I do not..Rest in Peace my brother and I’ll catch you on the side. Peace and Love all.
Oh, If I failed to mention it in the previous post. I Love you brother and will miss you dearly.