Richard Parks Featherston, 73, of Whiting, Kansas passed away Thursday, July 3, 2014 in Sabetha.

Richard was born January 21, 1941 in Ottawa, Kansas the son of William Harold and Bonita “Bonnie” Parks Featherston. He graduated from Lyndon High School in 1959 and attended Kansas State University for 2 years and was an avid K-State fan.

Richard was a farmer and stockman and owned and operated Royale Farms in Whiting for many years. He was a member of the Kansas Pork Producers where he served as past president and was named Pork Producer of the Year. Richard and his wife, Opal, also owned and operated Royale Kennel in Whiting for 25 years.

He was a member of the Muscotah United Methodist Church, serving as Trustee and on the Deacon Board at the church. Richard was also on the Jackson County Farm Bureau Board, serving as past president and was a member and past president of the Holton Lions Club.

Richard was married to Opal Knapp on December 23, 1962 in Leavenworth, Kansas. She survives of the home. He is also survived by his son, Eric Featherston of Chicago, Illinois and his daughter, Deva Johnson (Matt) of Shawnee, Kansas; his brothers, Rex W. Featherston of Mt. Joy, Pennsylvania and Dr. Robert H. Featherston of Tulsa, Oklahoma and his grandson, Parker Featherston.

A Celebration of Life will be held 2:30 Sunday, July 6, 2014 at the Muscotah United Methodist Church. The family will greet friends from 1:30 until service time at the church. Inurnment will be in Spring Hill Cemetery north of Whiting at a later date. There will be a book available to sign through Sunday morning at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Memorials may be given to the Muscotah United Methodist Church or to the Jackson Heights High School Education Foundation c/o Mercer Funeral Home, Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com