Richard 'Podge' Vandevord

Richard Eugene Vandevord, affectionately known as Podge, passed away on October 1, 2024, in Kansas City, KS, at the age of 61. Born on December 18, 1962, in Topeka, KS, Richard was a man who dedicated his life to farming, a passion he embraced from a young age while helping his dad around the farm. Renowned for his work ethic, he often began his days before sunrise and worked tirelessly until long after the sun had dipped below the horizon. His commitment to his craft was evident in every aspect of his profession; Richard took immense pride in maintaining the health of his fields, often saying, “You have to leave the ground better than you found it.”

In addition to his commitment to farming, Podge raised cows and calves and wouldn't turn down a trip to the casino. He was also a John Deere man through and through. He and his brother-in-law created countless memories as teenagers, even if the fun occasionally veered into mischief. They often said they had more fun as teenagers than most people have in their entire lives. While he often presented a hard exterior and mostly kept to himself, he had the biggest and softest heart for his family, especially for his kids. He was honest to his core, instilling this value in his children by his own example.

Richard was united in marriage to Heidi Godderz on April 2, 1988 at the Federated Church in Burlingame, KS. He was a proud father to Gretchen, Dakota, Ali, and Eli Vandevord. He was actively present for each milestone in his children's lives, attending countless ballgames and all around being a great dad. Family dinner would often take the form of hot picnics in the fields he tended, illustrating his dedication to both his work and his loved ones, ensuring that moments together were treasured despite the demands of his responsibilities. He extended this love in his role as Papi to his four grandkids. 

Richard is survived by his wife, Heidi Vandevord; children, Gretchen Vandevord (Matt), Dakota Vandevord (Kaitlin), Ali Vandevord, and Eli Vandevord; grandchildren, Delaney and Kash Vandevord, and Winslow and Wetzel Butler; his sisters, Tina Burkett (Eddie), Eugenia Akers, and Cindy Cordonier; and several other family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Dale and Mary (Fisher) Vandevord; brother, Steve Vandevord; and family members Annie and Clifford Vandevord and Tom and Inez Fisher.

A funeral service to honor Richard's life will be held on October 12, 2024, at 10:30 AM at the Federated Church of Burlingame, located at 322 S Topeka Ave, Burlingame, KS. Interment will follow at Burlingame Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Burlingame Fire Department, sent c/o VanArsdale Funeral Chapel, 107 N 6th St, Osage City, KS 66523.