Richard E. "Rick" Kilmer

Richard (Rick) Eugene Kilmer, 76, passed on to his heavenly home on April 16, 2024. Rick was born in Alva, Oklahoma on October 8, 1947, to Eugene and Helen Kilmer. His family later moved to Wichita, KS, where Rick graduated from Wichita Heights High School in 1965. While studying at Miltonvale Wesleyan College, he met the love of his life, Vickie Mills. Rick and Vickie were married on August 16, 1968, and went on to spend over 50 years together. 

Rick began his teaching career in 1970 and spent over 40 years working in the USD 265 District in Goddard, KS.   He taught everything from geography to driver’s education and went on to earn a master’s degree and spent many years in administration, serving in roles as Assistant Principal, Acting Principal and Athletic Director, all in Goddard schools. Rick was known as Mr. Kilmer or “Coach” to many and carried that title with pride. He loved working with students and was fortunate to have taught several generations of the same families. He was proud of his students and athletes and was always happy to run into them as adults. Rick was awarded the Athletic Director of the Year award in 2000 by KSHSAA and was inducted in the Goddard Hall of Fame in 2018. Even after retiring, he continued to be a starter for track and cross country meets and ran the scoreboard for basketball and volleyball games, working until February of 2024.

The title Rick was proudest of was “Dad,” which he earned in 1976 when his son Brian was born. Later, he became “Grandpa” to Brayden and Elliot Kilmer.  He was always supportive of their endeavors and endlessly encouraging. Rick loved his family with his whole heart and was quick to sing their praises to anyone who would listen. 

He attended Wichita First Wesleyan, Northwest Free Methodist, and Country Acres Baptist Church.  Throughout the years, Rick served at many levels including Sunday School teacher, Board Member, and coaching several different church sponsored athletic teams.  He used these platforms to encourage others to join him in his love for, and celebration of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Rick was preceded in death by his wife Vickie and parents, Eugene and Helen Kilmer. Rick leaves behind his son Brian (Lisa) Kilmer, grandsons Brayden and Elliot Kilmer, sister Jeanne Ann (Earl) Ray, sister- Jane (Doug) McClellan, brother Wilson (Gwen) Kilmer, sister -in-law Jeannine Mills, brother-in law Roger Hobbie, sister-in-law Peggy Mills, numerous nephews and nieces and his beloved community in Goddard, America.  

Funeral Services will be held on June 1, 2024, at 1:30 pm at Country Acres Baptist Church, 8810 W 10^th St. N, Wichita, KS, 67212. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial contributions, in honor of Rick Kilmer, mailed to the Goddard Education Foundation, 201 S. Main St., Goddard, KS 67052 or online at www.goddardef.org. Share condolences at www.cozine.com. Services by Cozine Memorial Group-Broadway Mortuary.