Richard Lee Martin
July 27, 1944 - February 11, 2023
Topeka, Kansas - Richard Lee Martin departed this life on February 11, 2023. Richard was born on February 27, 1944 in Wichita, Kansas. He was the youngest of three children born to Raymond and Calmary (Foote) Martin. Richard was a member of Tabernacle Baptist Church. He was a 1962 graduate of Wichita East High School. Richard received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1967 from Wichita State University. While at Wichita State University, he became a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.
After graduation, Richard was employed with Sedgwick County Juvenile Court as a Juvenile Probation Officer. In 1973 he moved to Topeka, Kansas, and began working for the Kansas Parole Board. He was employed with the Governor's Commission on Criminal Administration, Deputy Director of Corrections. Richard retired as Deputy Warden at the Topeka Correctional Facility, Kansas Department of Corrections. After retirement, he was the Administrator of the Kelly Juvenile Detention Center and was employed part-time in the Kinesiology Department at Washburn University.
Richard married Rosilyn Marie James of Chattanooga, Tennessee on November 29, 1980. To this union one son, Byron James Martin was born in Topeka, Kansas.
As an adult, Richard converted to Catholicism and is a member of the Mater Dei Parish (Holy Name) Catholic Church. He was a fifty-plus years member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, served as Polemarch, and remained an active member in the Topeka Alumni Chapter until his death. Kappa Alpha Psi Topeka Chapter presented him with a plaque " In appreciation of his service and dedication to the ACHIEVEMENT in EVERY FIELD of HUMAN ENDEAVOR" "with sincere gratitude and eternal love" "PHI NU PI". He was a member of the United States and Central States Deputy Warden Associations and was a recipient of the Topeka Correctional Facility's Warden's Commendation Award.
Richard is preceded in death by both parents; brother, Melvin Martin, and sister, Marva Jo Martin.
Richard's memory will forever be cherished by his wife, Rosilyn James-Martin, and son, Byron James Martin, both of Topeka, Kansas; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and close friends.
A private ceremony will be conducted by the Topeka Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity at Bowser Johnson Funeral Chapel. No visitation. A Mass of Christian Burial will be private at Mater Dei Parish Catholic Church. Interment will be performed privately in Topeka, Kansas.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Topeka Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi's scholarship fund. Send contributions to Kappa Alpha Psi, P.O. Box 2565, Topeka, Kansas 66601.

Published by Wichita Eagle on Feb. 23, 2023.