Richard Mcmullin

Richard "Dick" McMullin was born on March 22, 1932 in Hanlontown, Iowa to Ruth and Norvel McMullin. He led a small-town boyhood and graduated high school before attending Waldorf College for one year. He then transferred to Iowa State University where he studied architecture and was in the Air Force ROTC. After earning his degree, he served his country in the U.S. Air Force, stationed in North Africa.

Dick was a registered architect and a proud member of the American Institute of Architects. He worked for an architectural firm in Des Moines, Iowa, before forming a firm with another architect, McMullin and Miller. Among his designs was the Sunday School annex of the Lutheran church in his hometown. After five years in business, Dick was hired by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development—HUD. He played a significant role in the development of the Section Eight housing project. He was transferred to the Kansas City office in 1977, where he worked until his retirement in 1997.

Following retirement, Dick volunteered his services to Atonement Lutheran Church, as a consultant/coordinator between the architects and the builder/contractor when the new sanctuary –where you are now! – was built. This job lasted three years.

Dick also attended St. John's Lutheran Church in Des Moines, where he met his wife, Priscilla (Cleveland). They were married on May 19, 1962.

Dick was an amazing father and best friend to son Chris, daughter Shelley and daughter-in-law Verna. He was the proud grandfather of Lanie and R.C.

Dick was an avid reader, and loved to fish and water ski. He was a fan of Iowa State sports, as well as the Royals and Chiefs (and even the Jayhawks!) He had the greenest of thumbs and was a great gardener. When he planted tulip bulbs, he used a ruler to make sure they were exactly two inches apart. He loved walking on the beach in Naples, Florida where he and Priscilla spent their winters enjoying the sunshine, water and seafood.

He was preceded in death by his infant sister, Linda; parents Ruth (Strombom) and Norvel, and extended family members. Survivors include wife, Priscilla; son Christopher McMullin and wife Verna; daughter Shelley McMullin; and grandchildren Lanie and Richard (R.C.) McMullin; brother Roger McMullin and his daughters Sarah and Rachel, as well as many other cousins.

He will be greatly missed as much as he was greatly loved!





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