Rick Kilmer, friend to many, former teacher, coach, and administrator with over 40 years in his beloved "Goddard America". Kilmer began his career in the district in 1970 with Goddard Middle School, teaching everything from geography, psychology to physical education.  He was encouraged into administration, serving in roles as assistant principal and acting Principal of Goddard Middle School.  As the district grew, so did Kilmer's role, serving as athletic director for both Goddard and Eisenhower Middle Schools where he was responsible for organizing tournaments and events, helping and running hospitality was his wife Vickie. Rick and Vickie were a team, admired and respected in the district and community

Among the numerous local and statewide recognitions he received in his lifetime, Rick was awarded the Athletic Director of the Year award in 2000 by KSHSAA, served as the Grand Marshal of the Goddard Fall Festival, and was inducted into the Goddard Public Schools Hall of Fame.  Even after retiring, he continued to be a starter for track and cross country meets and ran the scoreboard for basketball and volleyball games, working as recently as February of 2024.

Coach was known most for his ability to inspire self-confidence in the students and staff around him.  One quote always displayed on his desk states, "It's not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog."

Rick was born in Alva, Oklahoma, on October 8, 1947, to Eugene and Helen Kilmer. His family later moved to Wichita, KS, where Rick graduated from Wichita Heights High School in 1965. While studying at Miltonvale Wesleyan College, he met the love of his life, Vickie Mills. Rick and Vickie were married on August 16, 1968, and went on to spend over 50 years together. Rick was known as Mr. Kilmer or “Coach” to many and carried that title with pride. He loved working with students and was fortunate to have taught several generations of the same families. He was proud of his students and athletes and was always happy to run into them as adults. The title Rick was proudest of was “Dad,” which he earned in 1976 when his son Brian was born. Later, he became “Grandpa” to Brayden and Elliot Kilmer.  He was always supportive of their endeavors and endlessly encouraging. Rick loved his family with his whole heart and was quick to sing their praises to anyone who would listen.

He attended Wichita First Wesleyan, Northwest Free Methodist, and Country Acres Baptist Church. Throughout the years, Rick served at many levels, including Sunday School teacher, Board Member, and coach of several different church-sponsored athletic teams. He used these platforms to encourage others to join him in his love for and celebration of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Rick was preceded in death by his wife, Vickie, and parents, Eugene and Helen Kilmer. Rick leaves behind his son Brian (Lisa) Kilmer, grandsons Brayden and Elliot Kilmer, sister Jeanne Ann (Earl) Ray, sister- Jane (Doug) McClellan, brother Wilson (Gwen) Kilmer, sister-in-law Jeannine Mills, brother-in-law Roger Hobbie, sister-in-law Peggy Mills, numerous nephews and nieces and his beloved community in Goddard, America.  

To learn more about Rick's enduring legacy, click HERE.

Funeral Services will be held on June 1, 2024, at 1:30 pm at Country Acres Baptist Church, 8810 W 10th St. N, Wichita, KS, 67212.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial contributions in honor of Rick Kilmer, mailed to the Goddard Education Foundation, 201 S. Main St., Goddard, KS 67052 or online utilizing the link below.