Richard Duane Rose

A visitation for Richard Duane Rose of Lawrence, Kansas, will be held from 6:00–8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at the mortuary. Inurnment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery in Lawrence. 

Richard Duane Rose, age 81, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by family, on April 22, 2026. 

Richard was born on April 1, 1945, in a small log cabin in Wheaton, Kansas, to Leona Kenworthy Rose and Albert Rose. He was one of ten children. 

The family later moved to Linwood, Kansas, where he attended school and graduated from high school in 1963. During his school years, he was active in numerous clubs and participated in track, football, and basketball, earning letters in each. 

Following graduation, Richard entered the United States Navy and served in Sicily, Italy. After returning home, he began a long and dedicated career in law enforcement. He worked one year with the University of Kansas Police Department before joining the Lawrence Police Department. He served as a traffic officer for nearly a decade, including motorcycle duty, before being transferred in 1980 to serve as the department’s training officer. 

In that role, Officer Rose coordinated numerous twelve-week police academies and served as an instructor. He trained personnel in firearms, physical fitness, and intoxilyzer use, and conducted background investigations on new recruits. He was also involved in several community and departmental programs, including the Ride-Along Program, Police Chaplain Program, and Boys Club Law & Order Squad, among others. 

Richard served for many years on the Traffic Safety Commission and held a position as secretary with the State Fraternal Order of Police. He also served in several leadership roles with the local F.O.P. Lodge #2, including past president. In addition, he was a member of the Eagles Club of Lawrence, the Blue Knights, and the Jaycees. Known by his badge number “L38,” he faithfully served until his retirement in March 1995. 

Richard married Joyce Ann Canary in November 1963, and they had three children. They tragically lost their son, Chris Allen, two days after his birth on July 13, 1966, a loss that was deeply felt throughout their lives. Though Richard and Joyce later divorced, they remained friends and shared pride in their daughters and their accomplishments. 

On September 14, 1984, Richard married Rhonda Christie Harper. Together they enjoyed fishing, traveling, watching Western television shows (even reruns they had seen many times), and riding their motorcycle until his health no longer allowed. Richard was later diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. 

Richard is survived by his wife, Rhonda, of the home; two daughters, Tina Renee (Harold) Roseberry of Humboldt, Kansas, and Tracy Ann Rose of Kansas City, Missouri; and his grandchildren, Katie (Chris) Lynn of Webb City, Missouri, and Connor (Kayle) Roseberry of Parkville, Missouri. He is also survived by two great-grandchildren, Parker and Presley, with two more expected in June and September 2026. 

Richard was immensely proud of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He made every effort to attend their sporting events, school activities, concerts, and milestones, and was one of their biggest supporters. 

He especially enjoyed visiting on Halloween and taking part in their trick-or-treating traditions, finding great joy in seeing them in costume. 

Richard is also survived by his siblings, Alberta, David, Darlene, Jean, and Joanne, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Chris Allen; and his siblings, Delbert, Jim, Jack, and Don. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Lawrence Humane Society or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.