Richard Neal Bourn, 84 of Gorham died Tuesday, March 1, 2011 at the Russell Regional Hospital in Russell, Kansas.

Richard was born May 21, 1926 in Paradise, Kansas the son of Elbert W. and Jenny May (Robins) Bourn.  He grew up and attended schools in the Paradise area.

Richard served his country in the U.S. Navy during WWII as a water tender 3rd class, maintaining the boilers on the USS Grayson while serving in the south Pacific.

Richard met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Della J. Treat in 1946 in Russell, Kansas.  This union was blessed with five children; Jodi, James, Jerry, Janet and Richard.  Della preceded Richard in death on November 9, 2005.  The Bourn family lived in Idaho, Washington state and Minnesota before moving to the Gorham area.

Richard worked as a water well driller most of his adult life and retired in 1988.

Richard was a life member of the Russell V.F.W. Post #6240 in Russell.  He enjoyed being outdoors and fishing.

Surviving family include his sons, James Bourn and wife Joan of Gorham, Kansas, Jerry Bourn and wife Janet of San Diego, California and Richard Bourn and fiancée Tab of Colorado ; daughters, Jodi Hoppie and husband Mike of Minnesota and Janet Bourn of Wyoming  ; sister Jenny Mothershead of Twin Falls, Idaho  ; 14 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren.

He was also preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers and 1 sister.

A Memorial service will be held at a later date.  Cremation has preceded the service.  Condolences may be sent in care of Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.