Richard C. French, 83, formerly of Hutchinson, died unexpectedly March 5, 2026, at AdventHealth Shawnee Mission, KS. He was born October 22, 1942, in Hutchinson, to William Richard and Wilma Bernice (Coggins) French, Jr.
Richard graduated from Partridge High School in 1960. He attended Oklahoma State and was a member of the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity. Richard graduated with a degree in Agricultural Economics in 1964.
On October 8, 1977, Richard married Terry (Weinberg) Whitten, in Hutchinson. He was President of Central State Bank & Trust for many years. This developed his passion for helping others and strengthening entrepreneurship in Hutchinson and Reno County. This led to Richard establishing the Quest Business center at 9th and Main (now known as StartUp Hutch) in 1987. For 20 years, he guided and equipped individuals with the skills and education, and tools needed to start up their own businesses.
In 2006, Richard retired from the Quest Center and moved to Table Rock Lake with his wife, Terry. For 20 years, he enjoyed sunrises and sunsets from the deck, fishing and boating. As he did everywhere, he soon became a large part of that community. Richard was always busy with friends and neighbors as well as the church. He loved cooking and building fellowship through the many lasagna dinners, church suppers, sales and other events he helped with at the church.
Richard is survived by: his wife of over 48 years, Terry of Overland Park; children, Stephanie (Scott) Moore of Overland Park and their children Sydney and Mattie Moore, Traci (David) Ayers of Overland Park and their children Lily, Lexi, and Lydia Ayers, Jason (Marsha) French of Hutchinson and their children Toni and Katie French, Justin (Emily) French of Frisco, TX and their children Nikolas, Nathan, And Emma French; and brother, Jim (Lisa) French of Partridge.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Susan Morton.
Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, March 13, 2026 at Elliott Mortuary, with Reverand Sheridan Irick officiating. Burial will follow in Partridge Cemetery. Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, with family present from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. also at Elliott Mortuary.