Richard L. Diamond

Richard L. Diamond, son of Edwin and Lucille (Lake) Diamond, was born on August 15, 1931, near Mankato, Kansas.  He departed this life June 5, 2018, at Brodstone Memorial Hospital in Superior, Nebraska.

Richard spent his early years at Steuben Grade School and then graduated from Mankato High School in 1949; he attended his beloved alma mater, Fort Hays State University, one year holding the title of student body president and graduated in 1954.  After graduating, he served his country for two years in the United States Army.  Upon returning from enlistment, he began his life long career working for the Stafford family, at the State Exchange Bank in Mankato.  In June 1964, Richard and longtime friend, Jon Menhusen, took ownership of the State Exchange Bank.

Richard loved working and serving his community and surrounding area, even after his retirement, at the age of 70, in 2001.  He devoted his time to many local organizations; Mankato Chamber of Commerce, city council, and the Lions Club, just to name a few.  He was also a member of Mankato Masonic Lodge, Harmony United Methodist Church, Kansas Bankers Association, and Community Bankers Associations, which he served as president.  Most proudly, Richard was on the Board of Trustees for Fort Hays State University Endowment Association from 1969-2001, twice serving as president.

Richard had a love for family.  He lived with and helped care for his parents, until their passing and you would see him enjoying every family event.  His love of travel sent him to Europe, China, Russia and many destinations in the United States.  On his travels, he would bring back beautiful gifts and souvenirs for family and friends and he took thousands of pictures.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents and brothers – Dallas (Chuck) Diamond and wife – Joan and Bert C. Diamond.

Left to treasure his memory are his sister-in-law – Audrey Diamond, Mankato, Kansas; nephews – Greg and wife- Donna Diamond, Clarion, Iowa, and Rick and wife – Sheila Diamond, Mankato, Kansas; niece – Becky and husband, Mark Butts, Kearney, Nebraska; great-nephews – Jeremiah and wife, Alyssa Diamond, Zachariah Diamond, Joshua and wife – Renee Diamond; great-nieces – Nicolette and husband, Travis Zeigler, Ashley and husband, Derek Clark, Erin and husband, Tyler Johnson; 14 great-great- nieces and nephews and many other family and friends.

Celebration of life service for Richard L. Diamond will be (was) Monday, June 11, 2018 at 10:30 a.m., at the Harmony United Methodist Church, with Pastor Rod Rose officiating.  Visitation for Richard will be Saturday, June 9, 2018 and Sunday June 10, 2018, at the Melby Mortuary, from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. each day.  Family will be present on Sunday from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 to greet friends and family.  Interment will be (was) in the Mount Hope Cemetery, Mankato, Kansas.  Online condolences can be left at www.melbymortuary.com .  The family suggests memorials in honor of Richard be made to the Mankato Endowment Association in care of the State Exchange Bank.

Melby Mortuary, Mankato, Kansas, was in charge of arrangements.