Richard L. Canon

April 12, 1951 — February 12, 2026

Emporia, Kansas

Richard L. Canon, 74, passed peacefully at home on February 11, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of stories, laughter, and love that will never be forgotten.

Born on April 12, 1951, in Independence, Missouri, to Helen Canon, Richard came into this world alongside his twin brother, Ralph who passed earlier this year. And a sister, Christine Burke, and carried in his heart the memory of his younger brother who tragically passed away at just two years old.

Richard was many things in his life — a law enforcement officer/dispatcher, a weather enthusiast, a sports fanatic — but above all, he was a family man.

In 1979, he married Diana Marcum, and together they welcomed two children, Dirk Canon of Ottawa, Kansas, and Kristin Canon Toney of Gardner, Kansas. Though their marriage later ended, Richard’s devotion to his children never wavered. He was the dad who never missed a game, never skipped an event, and never stopped cheering from the sidelines.

On October 21, 2005, Richard married Marla Osbin, and with that marriage he gained not just a wife, but four more children to love — Carla, Brad, Laura, and Bryan and later on grandkids. He embraced being a stepfather with an open heart. Richard and Marla shared a deep companionship that carried them through the years. Whether they were country cruising, relaxing at the lake with friends, or simply enjoying quiet time together, they truly loved one another’s company.

If you knew Richard, you knew he was rarely without his police scanner or weather app. He had a fascination with the skies and what they might bring. But even more memorable were his garage parties in the ’80s and ’90s — legendary nights filled with laughter, music, grilling, and good friends. Richard didn’t just attend the party — he was the party.

He loved standing at the grill, watching the Kansas City Chiefs, the Kansas City Royals, or KU basketball from his garage chair like it was his own personal sports headquarters. But his favorite athletes to watch were much closer to home.

Richard was a proud grandfather to Domani, Azariah, and Illeana Toney. He showed up to their sporting events faithfully until his health no longer allowed it. And even then, he never stopped watching — catching the events online and celebrating every accomplishment. He was endlessly proud of them.

Richard had a way of making people feel welcome. He showed up. He paid attention. He laughed loudly. He loved deeply. And he leaves behind a legacy of presence — the kind that matters most.

A Celebration of Life will be held on February 21, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. at the Elks Lodge in Osawatomie, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers, donations will be collected for a memorial bench to be placed beneath the Shoe Tree at Osawatomie Lake — a place that reflects the simple joys and meaningful moments he cherished.

Richard’s chair may sit empty now, but the stories, the laughter, and the love he gave will live on in every game watched, every storm tracked, every lake day shared, and every gathering of family and friends.

(Published in the Linn County Journal on February 20, 2026.)