It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Virgil D. Reichle Sr.
On Monday, August 11, 2025, Virgil D. Reichle, Sr., beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away at the age of 92 after a courageous battle with cancer.
Virgil was born on June 8, 1933, south of Atchison, KS, in Walnut Township to Grace Mae (Engeman) Reichle and Ralph Carl Reichle. He was the eldest of eleven children. His accomplishments were many, and his hallmark legacy was that of resiliency, kindness, and genuine love of others.
He graduated from Atchison County Community High School (ACCHS), Effingham, KS, in 1952. He then continued his education, attending Kansas State University and receiving a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1957. Following graduation at K-State, he fought forest fires in Alaska with his friend and housemate, Frank James.
Upon returning from Alaska, Virgil accepted a position with Sinclair Refinery Company in their training program to become a district manager living in Wellington, KS. Following Sinclair, Virgil worked for Champlin Oil & Refinery Company in the Sales Promotion Department and as a District Manager in Springfield, MO. It was during that time he met and married Bettie A. Davis from Moberly, MO. They were married in the Shawnee Christian Church in Shawnee, KS. Bettie had two sons from a previous marriage, Randy D. Ray and Rodney B. Ray. Virgil and Bettie had two children, Merriam D. Reichle and Virgil D. Reichle, Jr. Randy passed away in 1970, killed in the Vietnam War.
He worked 30+ years as a sales representative for Lawson Products, Inc. in the industrial hardware business before retiring in 1999. Bettie and Virgil enjoyed traveling and spent winters in Arizona, Texas, and Hawaii.
After Bettie’s passing in 2011, Virgil became a couple with Bonnie Gleason in 2013. They loved to travel, spending winters in Florida and taking cruises to the Caribbean.
They were both active with the Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, KS. Volunteering for Sunday School Classes, the Elite 8 lunch group, Sight Impaired Group activities, organizing speakers, and the Korean War Veterans Organization. They spent many wonderful and joyful years together before she passed in November 2024.
Virgil enjoyed fishing and hunting and spent 30+ years on annual fishing trips to Canada with several friends. He spent many years going pheasant hunting with a group of men and boys in Western Kansas. Outside of his professional life, Virgil was a dedicated fan of K-State Football and Basketball. He found joy in the great outdoors. He loved fishing and cherished various hunting trips throughout Canada, Kansas, and South Dakota.
In his retirement years, Virgil spent considerable time researching the genealogy of his ancestors. This hobby became a passion, and he loved sharing his research techniques with other like-minded friends. Virgil was a devoted Christian and found comfort in sharing his faith with others and leading various Sunday school programs at the Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, KS.
Known for his kindness and willingness to help, Virgil touched the lives of everyone he encountered, always seeing the best in people and never meeting a stranger. Virgil’s life was a tapestry of service,
love, and dedication. He leaves behind a legacy of strength, compassion, and inspiration that will continue to guide and uplift all who knew him.
Preceded in death were his wife of 50 years, Bettie A. (Davis) Reichle; his companion, Bonnie Gleason; siblings: Virginia Nolan, Doris Powers, Delbert Reichle, Kenneth Reichle, Lois Stallings, Ralph Reichle, Grace Reichle, and Sally Friend; and son, Randy Ray.
He is survived by siblings: Nancy McCune and Steve (Donna) Reichle; sisters-in-law, Carol Reichle and Sue Reichle; children, Rodney (Claudia) Ray, Merriam Reichle, and Dean (Lily) Reichle; grandchildren: Hannah Reichle, Matt Reichle, and Darrin Vater; great-grandson, Donte Dudley, and his many nieces and nephews.
Family and friends are invited to attend Virgil’s visitation from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Wednesday, August 27, at McGilley State Line Chapel at 12301 State Line Rd, Kansas City, MO 64145. A Celebration of Life service will take place at 11:00 AM on Thursday, August 28, at the Wesley Chapel at Church of the Resurrection at 13720 Roe Ave., Leawood, KS 66224. Reception following the service. Virgil will be laid to rest at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, 701 N 94th Street, Kansas City, KS 66112, at 2:30 PM.
In lieu of flowers, the family is honoring Virgil through gifts to the new stained-glass window at Resurrection Leawood. Memorial contributions may be made to Resurrection, 13720 Roe Ave, Leawood, KS 66224, or online at cor.org/memorial. May his light live on. Virgil will be dearly missed, but his spirit and the memories he created will forever remain in our hearts.
In honor of Virgil, please plan to wear purple if you are able to attend his service.