Richard “Dick” James Sartin

Richard “Dick” James Sartin, was born on May 12, 1942 in St. Charles, Missouri to Ira Nay and Irene Hope Sartin. Dick’s father was an ironworker and traveled to where the work was, and eventually settled in Independence, Missouri, where Dick later grew up. Dick was a graduate of William Chrisman High School, class of 1960.

In 1964, Dick joined the Local 10 Ironworkers Union, where he spent the next 42 years working on jobs all throughout the Midwest, including Arrowhead Stadium, Bartle Hall, Kemper Arena, the Claycomo Ford and KCK Fairfax Assembly Plants, and many other buildings and bridges. Dick worked primarily for Midwest Conveyor, and R.M. Taylor, where he was a superintendent for many, many years. He had a reputation in the Ironworkers as being a by the book Union man by taking care of and sticking up for his workers.

Dick had two sons, Chad and Jared Sartin, and a daughter Jaime Swinney. Dick was a loving father and was involved in all of his children’s upbringing. Dick assisted Chad and Jared with their lawn service in his free time, and customers stated that nobody weedeated quite like he did…. as the grass didn’t need trimmed for WEEKS afterwards. Dick also assisted Jared on his highway mowing contracts, and soon discovered that mowing slopes in a tractor wasn’t really for him, as he rolled one over, and got stuck numerous times, but was always ready to go again and help whenever needed. Dick supported Jaime’s career path to becoming a nurse practitioner, and the last couple years got to be her patient after a few “bad luck” incidents.

In his “free time”, Dick was an avid bowler, and had numerous perfect 300 games. He also bowled several 800+ series. He once played in a league with daughter Jaime, who reported that she got defeated quite handily every week by him. Dick also loved golf, a sport that he taught both Chad and Jared to play and enjoy. Most every Sunday, Dick would be on the golf course, in shorts regardless of the cold, and his signature wind breaker, teeing off and enjoying family time. The three of them managed to win several tournaments together over the years. The Local 10 Ironworkers’ Golf Tournament even had the “Dick Sartin Rule”, where everyone Dick’s age or older, was allowed to hit off of the ladies’ tee. Dick was also a wizard on the billards table, and anyone that played against him knew how good he was. All he needed was a Busch Light and some chalk, and you’d better be ready to be beaten numerous times. Patrons of The Hangout, have heard him yell “Rack ’em” to the latest victim of his craft many, many times.

Dick lived his life his way, and to the fullest. He could be found in several local taverns and was always open to having a cocktail with someone, whether he knew them or not. One of his favorite quotes was “You can’t drink all day if you don’t start in the morning.”

Dick went by several nicknames – The Sarge if you worked for him; Dick if you were his friend; dad, and to his grandkids, “Crazy Grandpa!”

Dick is preceded in death by his wife Nilene Sartin; and his parents. He is survived by his sisters Karen Sue “Suzy” Collet and Nancy Gail Sartin; brother Michael Allen Sartin; sons Chad and wife Stacey Sartin, Jared Sartin and daughter Jaime Swinney and fiancé Samuel Matzke; grandchildren Ryland James Sartin, Brantley Michael Sartin, Finley Nicole Sartin, Ava Rose Matzke, and Amelia Rae Matzke; son-in-law Wesley Stewart and countless other friends and acquaintances.

On October 19, 2023, Richard was enjoying his day like normal, being with his friends at The Hangout, shooting pool and indulging in some refreshing libation. He suffered a medical emergency and passed later that day.

Visitation will be 10am, followed by funeral services at 11am, Friday, October 27, 2023 at Heartland Cremation and Burial Society, 6113 Blue Ridge Blvd, Raytown, Missouri 64133. Burial to follow in Memorial Park Cemetery, Kansas City, Missouri.