He loved his family. He loved the land. He loved God. Those are the three things to remember about Richard Fairbanks. Born into a farming family in Wood River, Nebraska, on February 1, 1948, Richard grew up working the land. After graduating high school, he farmed with his family. He wore cowboy boots and a cowboy hat and was at peace being outdoors. He felt a calling to become closer to God, to work in his faith, but he didn't act on that calling. Instead, feeling restless, he joined the military and was shipped to Vietnam. He was a brave man. He served only two years as a Sergeant in the Army, but during that time he earned a Bronze Star, a bravery medal, an Army Commendation Medal, and Combat Infantry Badge. He was discharged from the Army in 1970 and came home to farm again. The restless feeling persisted.

In 1971, he married Nancy Edwards and soon had three children to look after. Keith, Stacy, and Amanda helped fill the questioning void in his soul and he was happy. He continued to farm and then began to work for the United States Department of Agriculture Compliance Division. He still wore his cowboy boots and cowboy hat, still felt a longing to serve others.

In the mid-90s, Richard found himself divorced and lost. A chance meeting with an old friend marked the turning point. The friend, whom he discovered loved flowers and nature and God as much as he did, inspired him to answer the call he had been hearing nearly his whole life. Richard began a new life as a student at St. Paul School of Theology in Kansas City. The friend also lit another spark within Richard. On October 11, 1996, Richard wed his friend, Dorthea Smeall Putscher, at the Powell Gardens in Kansas City, the place where he first realized he loved her. By saying "I do," Richard gained four more children, Tim, Bryan, Rebecca, and Amber. Dorthea encouraged Richard in his faith journey he became a United Methodist minister. The restless feeling disappeared.

Richard Fairbanks began life as Pastor Richard and he never felt more at peace. Richard went home to the Lord on Monday, September 10, 2012, following a tragic motor vehicle accident. He was the pastor at the Falls City Bethel United Methodist Church at the time of his death. His family will remember his quietness, his strength, and his love for his grandchildren. They will remember his cowboy boots, his cowboy hat, and his bond with nature and animals. They will remember how he loved to sit on his porch and watch wildlife in his backyard, how he had a secret wish to be a cowboy. Mostly, Richard will be remembered for his faith and deep capacity for love.

Richard Fairbanks is survived by his wife, Dorthea; children Keith and Mindy Fairbanks of North Carolina; Stacy and Kent Blum of Nebraska City; Amanda and Justin Lorimer of Omaha; Tim and Penny Putscher of St. Libory; Bryan Putscher of Ashland and Angie Putscher; Rebecca and Joel Meyer of Overland Park; and Amber Putscher of Nebraska City; grandchildren Ashley, Addison, Makensi, Sydney, Christian, Kyle, Jonathan, Kira, Chala, Jeremy, Eric and his wife Leah and children Caleb and Jacob, Noah, Hosea, Silas, Gideon, Kolton, and Abbey; and brothers Paul and Elaine Graham, Kenneth and Deb Fairbanks, and sister Kay and Ron Bockstadter, all of Wood River.

Richard was preceded in death by an infant brother Glen Dale, mother Alice, and father M.A.

He was a member of United Methodist Men, Hunger Committee, Camping and Retreat Ministries, Hospice Chaplain, American Legion, Masonic Lodge #53, Lions Club, Disabled American Veterans, and Shriners.


Services will be held at the First United Methodist Church 1023 First Avenue, Nebraska City, Nebraska at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, September 13, 2012

Visitation: 1:00 to 9:00 P.M. Wednesday with the family greeting friends from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. at the Marshall Funeral Chapel, 1109 First Corso Nebraska City, Nebraska

Burial in the Cowles Hill Cemetery
(Old Wyoming Cemetery) Nebraska City, Nebraska

Memorials are suggested to the First United Methodist Church or The Association of Retired Ministers.

This is a courtesty notice for the family on behalf of all of us here at Price Funeral Homes and all on-line condolences will be fowarded to the family.