Richard D. Deiss

Richard, age 57, a resident of Dade City, FL, was born May 18, 1963 in Springfield, IL, the son of Jean Snedigar and Larry Ruffner. Rick Deiss adopted him at age two.

He is survived by his mother, Jean Deiss and father Larry Ruffner; one son, Trevor Dale Deiss of Manhattan, KS; a brother, Brian  (Penny) Ruffner of Valrico, FL and a sister, Dee Ann (Andy) Vaughn of Lakeland, FL; a niece and great-twin niece and nephew; several aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his adopted father, Rick Deiss, maternal grandparents (Ruth and John Colson of Petersburg, IL; John and Faye Deiss of San Jose, IL; two uncles –David Snedigar (Greenview, IL), Calvin Colson (Petersburg, IL; aunt, Elaine Elliott (Petersburg, IL) and a cousin, Lori (Baker) Jones.

Rich fought quite a battle with COPD (lung disease) for many years but more in the later years of his life.  He did so with bravery, integrity and grace.  He was so ready to meet the Lord and suffer no longer.  That he has done.

Rich graduated Brimfield, IL junior high in 1977 and Graham, TX, high school in 1981.  He received a broadcasting degree from Columbia School of Broadcasting, Los Angeles, CA. He was known as a popular DJ (Rockin’ Rich) on radio station KSKT in Manhattan, KS, for a several years, and also owned his own mobile DJ service, “Sounds Unlimited”. He worked as a “sales internet supervisor”, for new car dealers in Arlington, TX also.  He loved all sports, his favorite being NASCAR racing, and was an electronic guru also!

Many great thoughts of Rich come to mind regarding his personality and how he lit up a room when he entered.  He was most happy with loved ones and so many friends and family in his life.  Rich never met a stranger! He was indeed a great “people person” with a positive attitude at all times.  Yes, but he loved to kid and laugh with family and friends also.  Jerry Lewis was his idol comedian and he could imitate his voice and walk exactly like him. All that knew Rich, think of him as a very loving, kind and thoughtful person ever, even in his times of illness.

He had to move to higher ground on Wednesday, April 14th, as he had fought so hard to breathe. As we say, “he is in a much better place with no pain and struggles.”  God, walk with him!

Rest in Peace, Richie; you will be so missed…..until we meet again

A visitation for Rich will be held on Wednesday, April 21, 2021 at 10:00 AM until time of funeral service at 11:00 AM at Mott & Henning Funeral Home in Athens.  Burial will be held at Green Hill Cemetery in San Jose after the services.

Mott & Henning Funeral Home is assisting the family. On-line condolences can be shared at www.mottandhenning.com.