Thomas “Jasen” Ritchel

After a courageous battle, Thomas “Jasen” Ritchel, 53, passed away March 29th, 2023 at home, surrounded by his family. 

He was born May 23rd, 1969 in Independence, MO to John Ritchel and Sharon Conyers Ritchel. Jasen joined the Army in 1987, married his high school sweetheart the same year, and then in 1990, he fought for our country in the Gulf War, which ultimately took his life 36 years later. His honors include: Army Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, SouthWest Asia Service Medal with 2 Bronze Stars, Army Commendation Medal, and Army Achievement Medal. Following discharge, he established his family and later his business, Ritchel Automotive, with his brother in Independence, MO. Later in life, he pursued industrial maintenance and eventually became an independent contractor. 

As a young man, Jasen was involved in Boy Scouts, where his love of the outdoors started. If he wasn’t outside exploring, he was getting into mischief with his two brothers, which led to great stories when he became an adult. Jasen had a sweet tooth and a sharp mind. He carried around a wealth of knowledge, leading to a variety of projects. If you knew Jasen, you knew he could fix anything. Jasen was a lover of all kinds of music and would exhaust a song before moving on to another one. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing with his family and friends when he could catch a break from work.

In the end, his cup was overflowing because of the amazing opportunities he was given throughout his life with his children, grandchildren, wife, and brothers. In his final moments here with us, he taught us to accept the realities of life, and to find peace with the present, no matter where you are. 

He is preceded in death by his grandparents and his mother, Sharon Conyers Ritchel. 

He is survived by his long-time wife, Sherri Ritchel, his oldest son, Clinton Ritchel (Madelyn Ritchel), his daughter, Kassidy Chuning (Austin Chuning), and his youngest son, Jake Ritchel; his three grandsons, Luke Ritchel, Roy Chuning, and Paul Chuning; his father, John Ritchel, and two older brothers Ryan Ritchel (Jodie Ritchel), and Rolly Ritchel (Laura Ritchel), and many nieces and nephews. 

Celebration of Life will be held at Robert S. “Bob” Bryan Community Center (Dearborn Community Center) located at 202 N. Commercial anytime from 2 p.m.- 6 p.m on Sunday, April 16th. 

Private burial will be held at Higginsville Veterans Cemetery.