Richard Eric Mueller passed away quietly on the evening of February 7, 2026. He was just one day shy of his 82nd birthday. Richard will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. He had a wonderful sense of humor, artistic curiosity and was a life-long learner.
Richard was born in Los Angeles, California on February 8, 1944, to the delight of his parents, Walter and Mathilde Mueller. He was their first-born child. Richard gained two brothers in the following years, Tom, who has preceded him in passing and Karl (known by all as Corky). The three boys had a lively and fun childhood in Independence, Missouri where Richard met his love, Kay Stark, at William Chrisman High School. He played guard and forward positions on his high school basketball team to great success. After graduating from William Chrisman HS in the class of 1962, Richard and Kay married three years later. Richard received a basketball scholarship to the University of Maryland. He enjoyed those 5 years, gaining an MBA. Richard and Kay then moved to Bay City, Michigan and then ‘home’ to the mid-west, landing in Kansas City, Missouri. They had two children, who they cherished, Brian and Kristen.
Richard was the consummate businessman. After working for IBM, he moved on to Information Industries Inc. and then co-founded a technology company, MTW (Making Technology Work). MTW was his professional passion for many years. Richard was awarded the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2000. He eventually sold his company to spend more time with his wife, Kay, their children and grandchildren. He volunteered for Jackson County CASA and, later became involved with the John Knox Village Parkinson’s Connection. He found great fulfillment with these retirement endeavors, along with ongoing business and golfing.
Richard was preceded in passing by his wife Kay in 2010. He was also preceded by his brother Tom Mueller. Richard is survived by his children and their spouses, Richard Brian and Amie Mueller, Kristen and Steve Rickman, as well as his grandchildren. Mia and Zoe Rickman and Erin and Mara Mueller. Richard is also survived by his youngest brother, Karl Mueller, his wife Regina, their two sons, Warren Mueller and his wife, Ariel and their son Niko, and Eric Mueller and his wife Laura.
In leu of sending flowers, please consider donating to causes close to Richard’s heart – The John Knox Village Parkinson’s Connection https://www.jkv.org/health-services/parkinsons-support/ or Jackson County CASA. https://casakc.org
