Richard Malcom Kiernan - Obituary

Following a short battle with mesothelioma, Richard Malcom Kiernan, 77, passed away peacefully on April 13, 2018 with family by his side.

Richard born in Sioux City Iowa on June 3, 1940 and was raised in Sidney Nebraska. Richard and his future wife, Mary, met when they were 17. They married in 1962 and were married for 56 years. Richard was in the Air Force from 1958-1961 stationed in Scotland.

After the military, he studied Civil Engineering at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. Graduating in 1970. He was employed by the Nebraska Department of Roads and obtained his professional engineering license in 1971. During his time with the Nebraska Department of Road, he was part of the team that built Interstate 80 on the western side of Nebraska. Richard was a lifelong Nebraskan and huge University of Nebraska Cornhusker football fan following every season closely, attending spring games and one of his best times was attending the 1994 "Miracle in Miami" where the Cornhusker prevailed.

In 1973 he joined Iowa Western Community College teaching and later as Department Chair of Engineering/Technology, beautifying the campus with numerous projects over the years, including the Clock Tower in 1996. Richard earned his Iowa engineering license in 1975.

Richard and Mary have 3 daughters and raised them in Neola, Iowa, residing there for 33 years. He was active in all of his daughter's activities including coaching their little league softball teams for 14 years achieving numerous league championships. Richard has many dogs over the years and leaves behind his beloved yellow lab, Cowboy.

After retirement, Richard and Mary moved to Texas to be closer to daughters and grandchildren.

Richard has always been active in both his children and grandchildren's educations and encouraging them to be active in sports. He was a devoted father and grandfather and had high expectations from his children and grandchildren. Richard was always there to cheer on his family and encourage them.

Richard was preceded in death by his father, Forrest Orville Kiernan and mother, Vera Mae Spain.

Richard is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Mary Kiernan from San Antonio, Texas. Daughter Kelley Kiernan and grandson Max from Oakwood, Ohio, daughter Valerie Kiernan Rule and son-in-law Doug Rule and granddaughters Ellie and Clare from San Antonio, Texas and daughter Rebecca Kiernan Sinclair and grandsons Rafe and Rion from Waxhaw, NC and grandson Riley Sinclair from Columbus Ohio.

Porter Loring Mortuary, San Antonio, TX is in charge of arrangements.