Richard Gilbert (Ricky) Rangel

Beloved Brother, Father, Friend, and Dedicated Railroad Journeyman Richard Gilbert (Ricky) Rangel, of Kansas City, Kansas, passed away peacefully on November 27th, 2025 at St. Luke’s Hospice House in Kansas City, Missouri, at 67 years old surrounded by his loving family. Born at St. Mary's Hospital on September 9th, 1958 to Solomen Mosquada and Elvira Nunez Rangel. Richard spent his childhood in Kansas City, attending Redemptorist Catholic School. He cherished his early years playing at Penn Valley Park with his brother Alfred—catching tadpoles, crawdads, and fishing in the pond—as well as visiting Liberty Memorial and enjoying Sunday movies at Uptown Theater. After grade school, Richard’s family moved to Argentine, Kansas, where he continued his education at Argentine Middle School and graduated from JC Harmon High School, class of 1977. During this time, he assisted his father in repairing and maintaining rental properties, while also nurturing hobbies such as car mechanics, and photography—a reflection of his inquisitive and hands-on spirit. Richard enjoyed many vacations, camping and fishing with his parents, brother and sister. He enjoyed going fishing with his oldest son at different lakes in the area. There was no task too small or too large for Richard to accomplish. He enjoyed the challenge. Richard was known for his kind, easygoing nature, and he found joy in gardening, working on cars, and family vacations. His greatest passion was supporting his sons in their individual interests, whether it was Bryan’s love for animals and paintball, Justin’s enthusiasm for film and music, or Kevin’s hobby of collecting Hot Wheels and skateboarding. At the age of 19 Richard began his career working in the powerhouse as a laborer for Santa Fe Railroad in Argentine, Kansas. In 1978 he embarked on a four-year locomotive electrical apprenticeship with Santa Fe and the IBEW union. Throughout his apprenticeship, Richard rotated through several shops, including the MTC Shop and the Air Conditioning Shop at the main facility, where he learned to maintain refrigerated cars and locomotive heating and cooling systems. This experience ignited his passion for HVAC and refrigeration, prompting him to pursue further education at AVTS night classes and learn welding. Upon completing his apprenticeship, Richard became a journeyman locomotive electrician, dedicating his career to repairing, troubleshooting, and inspecting locomotives. He spent the remainder of his career at the Diesel Service Facility (DSF), retiring from BNSF Railroad after 40 years of faithful service. Richard’s warmth, integrity, and dedication earned him deep respect from his family, colleagues, and community. He is preceded in death by his parents, Solomen Mosquada and Elvira Nunez Rangel, maternal and paternal grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. He is survived by his three sons Bryan, Justin, and Kevin (Valerie) and his granddaughters, Scarlett and Ruby. Brother to Alfred Rangel Sr. (Maria) and his sister Lisa Rangel Hernandez. He leaves loving nephews and nieces who will forever cherish every single moment they spent with their Uncle Ricky, Esteban, Ana, Maria and Antonio Hernandez, Alfred Jr., Christina, Michael and Gabriel Rangel. He also leaves behind his beloved cat, Mia. Services will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Thursday, December 4th, 2025, 2646 South 34th Street, Kansas City, Kansas 66106. Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM and a mass of Christian burial starting at 11:00 AM. Private Mausoleum Entombment will be held at the Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Kansas City, Kansas at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the St. Mary’s Food Kitchen in care of Our Lady of Unity Catholic Church, 2646 South 34th St., Kansas City, KS 66106. On behalf of the Rangel family, we wish to express heartfelt gratitude for all who offered support and compassion during Richard's final days. A sincere thank you to all the doctors, nurses and staff at The University of Kansas Health System throughout his stay and the St. Luke’s Hospice Center at his final moments. Your professional care during his time as a patient is highly appreciated and respected.

Tributes

Richard Gilbert (Ricky) Rangel

September 9, 1958 - November 27, 2025