RICHARD J. SCHOOLEY, 77, of Burden, Kansas, passed away Sunday morning, November 2, 2013 at William Newton Hospital in Winfield.

Born on April 17, 1936 in Wichita, Kansas, he was the son of Bert and Beryle (Stroade) Schooley. The family made their home in Latham, Cambridge and Wichita. He left home at the age of 14 to live the life of a cowboy. Richard lived southeast of Latham and made a living breaking colts and doing cowboy and farm work for various families. He attended Cambridge and Latham schools, graduating from Latham in 1955.

He was united in marriage to Marcile Hall on January 12, 1956 in Miami, Oklahoma. They made their first home in Perry, Oklahoma. They later moved to the Cowley County area where he worked at the flour mill for several years. He soon returned to cowboy work taking care of cattle. The couple purchased their farm in 1966 at which time Richard worked 3rd shift at Boeing Aircraft in Wichita for a short time. He farmed and ranched during the day. The family moved to Cambridge in 1972 where he took care of cattle for others as well as his own for the next 16 years. The couple moved to Burden in 1984.

Richard loved what he did, taking care of animals and taking care of the land, looking forward to going to work every day. He enjoyed hunting and spending time with his friends and family. He was very generous with his support to the communities he lived in. His greatest joy was his family and he was very proud of his kids, grandkids, great grandkids and his wife of 57 years. He had many great friends who he loved to visit, work and play with. He always felt he was a very lucky man to have so many wonderful friends in his lifetime.

His family includes:
His wife: Marcile of the home;
His sons: Randy Schooley and wife Cindy of Latham, KS; Bart Schooley and wife Roxann of Cambridge, KS; and Jim Schooley and wife Peggy of Burden, KS;
His daughter: Leah Henderson and husband Ed of Burden, KS;
His 12 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his 4 sisters and 1 sister-in-law.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M., Friday, November 8, 2013 at Miles Funeral Service in Winfield. Interment will follow at Latham Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M., Thursday, November 7, 2013. The family will greet friends from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M., that evening.

Memorials have been established in Richard's name for the Fire Departments of Burden, Atlanta and Cambridge. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.