Richard Edward Sorell
Richard Edward Sorell, 81 years old, passed away on March 28th, 2024, at his home in Manhattan, KS.
Richard was born July 6th, 1942, to Raymond and Rita (Derusseau) Sorell in Concordia, KS. Richard had a younger sister, Carolyn Desilet. Richard and Carolyn were close, and they often said they were two peas in a pod. Richard graduated from Clyde High School, Clyde, KS, in 1960. Richard remained in Clyde until he joined the Army National Guard of Kansas. Richard completed his basic training in Company B, 1st Battalion, 3rd Regiment at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, on June 25th, 1964. Richard served as a 12B Combat Engineer Squad Leader and as a reserve of the Army for 6 years. He received an honorable discharge on January 7th, 1970. Richard was immensely proud of his service and enjoyed sharing his experiences with family and friends.
Richard married Carolyn Cordry on June 1st, 1966. During this marriage they had four children, Kenny, Cindy, Christine, and Julie. At this time Richard worked for Boogaarts grocery store as a meat cutter in Washington, KS. Richard and family moved to Clifton, KS, where Richard became a business owner purchasing Estelle’s Nursing Home. Richard enjoyed taking care of the maintenance and upkeep of the nursing home. Richard also continued his education going to college at Cloud County Community College in Concordia, KS.
After selling the nursing home, Richard moved to Wichita, KS, to be close to his son, Kenny. During this time Richard met and married Donna Stump and worked for the City of Wichita in Parks and Recreation. Once Richard retired, he moved to Clyde, KS, to enjoy his retirement with family and friends. In 2021, Richard made his final move to Manhattan, KS to be close to his daughter, Cindy, who helped care for him.
Richard enjoyed fishing, watching birds, walking, and riding his 3-wheel bike. He liked
recreational shooting and enjoyed target practice with his grandson, Easton. Richard is well known to love music and dancing. He always had his radio on or playing his records. He was an avid Elvis fan. Richard enjoyed taking care of his plants, yard, and keeping an exceptionally clean house. His children always knew when he was in a good mood when he was whistling.
Richard was a devout Catholic, participating in a bible and prayer group, and believing in the power of prayer. Richard was a member of the American Legion, post 0017, and belonged to St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Manhattan, KS.
Richard is survived by his four children, Kenny Sorell of Wichita, KS, Cindy Sorell and husband Raul Hernandez of Manhattan, KS, Christine Sorell of Clyde, KS, and Julie Czapanskiy and husband Brad of Concordia, KS. Richard’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren are Dalton Sorell of Wichita, KS, Caitlin and husband Jacob Durrett, and their daughter, Jovi, of Shawnee Mission, KS, Callie Charbonneau and Quentin Saner, and their son, Joseph, of Wichita, KS, Caleb Charbonneau and Taylor Mall of Clay Center, KS, Mollie and Beau DeRusseau, and their son, Oliver, of Clyde, KS, Baron Barnes, and his daughter and son, Brooklyn and Canaan, of Clyde, KS, Bradie and Tyler
Heidemann, and their daughter, Taelynn, of Plymouth, NE, Josie and Riley Halfhide of Concordia, KS, Easton, and Emersyn Czapanskiy of Concordia, KS, and his sister Carolyn Desilet of Wichita, KS.
In Lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be given to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Clyde, KS or St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Manhattan, KS.
The service was held on April 3, 2024, at St. John Baptist Catholic Church and his burial at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery.