Richard "Bear" VanBebber

Richard Dale “Bear” VanBebber, age 83 of Phillipsburg, passed away Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at Phillips County Retirement Center.

He was born on May 23, 1942, in Miami, Oklahoma, the son of Marvin Earl and Ruth Mae (Daugherty) VanBebber.

Bear was a general laborer working in various types of industries. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, and loved cheering on the KSU Wildcats, Kansas City Chiefs, and Kansas City Royals.

He is survived by two daughters, Debbie Fox of Quinter and Rhonda VanBebber of Russell; one son, Charles VanBebber of Norton; one brother, Miles VanBebber of Kansas City, Kansas; 22 grandchildren and great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Richard VanBebber, Jr. and his siblings, Juanita Darenger, Billie Bollerjack, Nori Adams, Sookie Jeffries, Helen Mullis, Marie Welch, Carl VanBebber, Al VanBebber, Sr., Ralph VanBebber, Merle VanBebber, Melvin VanBebber, Marvin VanBebber, and George (Pete) VanBebber.

A graveside service will be held at 10:30 am Friday, February 27, 2026, in the Riley Cemetery. Please dress in your favorite Chiefs, Royals or KSU gear.

Memorials may be left in care of the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home, PO Box 176, Riley, KS 66531, to help with funeral expenses.