In loving memory of

Richard A. Fellingham
February 8, 1945 - November 4, 2020

Richards life video: https://vimeo.com/476719918

Richard Anthony Fellingham, age 75, of Ames, died at his home on November 4, 2020. A gathering of friends and family will be 2-4:00pm Sunday, November 8, at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care, 414 Lincoln Way, Ames. Masks are recommended and social distancing when possible. Private family burial will take place at Ames Municipal Cemetery on November 9th. Iowa Sate Apparel would be recommended.
Rich was born on February 8, 1945 in Onawa, Iowa the son of Edward Cecil and Marjorie Josephine Niedermeyer Fellingham. He married Marge Dudley in Spencer and the couple had three children, Brad, Kristin and Abby. Rich married Alice Carver on July 30, 1981 blending their two families. Rich started in radio at KICD in Spencer while in college and was active in the Spencer community. He and Alice moved to Ames in 1982 where he continued his radio career with KASI. While at KASI, he called Ames High School football and basketball game and was the radio producer for Iowa State University football games and hosted pre-game football radio shows. Rich was the voice of the ISU Women's basketball team for 30 years. Among the many broadcasting accolades, he received he was especially proud of his Edward R. Murrow award. In addition, Rich served as the president of Special Olympics Iowa for 12+ years. Rich was active in Rotary, was a member of Ames United Church of Christ, and was involved in many other community activities. He enjoyed playing golf, cheering on his grandkids in all their activities and drinking a screwdriver or a glass of wine with friends and family. Rich was an avid Cyclone fan and being a dedicated parrothead, he would try to attend at least one Jimmy Buffet concert annually with his friends.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 39 years, Alice Fellingham and children: Brad (Cyndi) Fellingham and their children Kaeden, Gavin and Avery, Kristin (Jack) Byers and their children, Jackson and Ben, Abby Fellingham, Mike (Carol) Spear and their children Nicky, Jack, Alex and Krissy, Jeff (Robin) Spear and their children Tyler and Josh, Eric (Julie) Spear and their children Dylan and Maeve, Sarah Cook and her son Bryce, Rich's sister, Pam Fellingham, as well as many cherished friends.
Rich is preceded in death by his parents Edward and Jody Fellingham.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Iowa Special Olympics or Ames United Church of Christ.
Online condolences may be directed to: www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com

Tributes

Susan and Tote Randall wrote on Nov 23, 2020:

"Our sincere condolences to Alice and her family. We all better for having known Rich and his wife Alice, he will be greatly missed. The Randall's"

Larry Morgan wrote on Nov 12, 2020:

"My sincere condolences to you on the loss of Rich. I admired him as a person and as a fellow broadcaster. In addition, his works at Special Olympics was truly special. Larry Morgan"

Joan Kallsen wrote on Nov 11, 2020:

"Alice and family-You have our deepest sympathy. Rich was a great guy. KICD was at its best when he was there. We are keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers. Duane & Joan Kallsen"

John Kinley wrote on Nov 11, 2020:

"Alice and Family, The Ames Community, Cyclone Nation, and the state of Iowa has lost a great friend and neighbor, a great voice and fan, and a strong advocate for our family members with special needs. Rich touched so many lives in so many ways. I enjoyed his sense of fun and humor while on the golf course. I loved his radio voice and his passion for the Cyclones. He used his talents to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate. He will be missed, but the memories will always be cherished. Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family. With our deepest sympathy, John and Chris Kinley"

Phil Spike wrote on Nov 9, 2020:

"I was fortunate to have Rich agree to join a Capital Campaign Committee that I was asked to chair at the Ames UCC. Since I was not experienced in fund raising, I found his advise invaluable as we organized our efforts. More than his advise, I enjoyed his cheerful nature and manner. I have felt so fortunate to have had the opportunity to gain from his counsel and friendship. "

Karla Eberly wrote on Nov 9, 2020:

"Deepest sympathy to all of Rich?s family. We have fond memories from the Spencer years when we were friends and neighbors. Sincerely, Bob & Karla Eberly "

Harold Johnson wrote on Nov 8, 2020:

"So sorry to hear of Richs' passing Alice. I loved to listen to him call ISU women's basketball games. He had a great style unique to only him. Hope to see his name on a banner in the rafters of Hilton. God bless you and your family. Stay safe. "

Carol Cox wrote on Nov 8, 2020:

"Dear Alice, We just wanted you to know how badly we feel about Rich's passing. As you know, we have known Rich from our days together in Spencer and then were lucky enough to re-connect with him and you when we all lived in Ames. He will always remain in our hearts, and you are all in our hearts & prayers..... Carol Cox "

Ron Smith wrote on Nov 8, 2020:

"Dear Alice and family: I was saddened to learn of Richard?s passing. He was an exceptionally nice man, a great part of Iowa State?s positive image, and always had a really grin and a great sense of humor. I was honored to know him."

Rick and Lisa Sharp wrote on Nov 8, 2020:

"Alice and family - We were deeply saddened to hear of Rich's passing. We have you in our thoughts and prayers. Rich was a wonderful man and a good friend for many of us. We will miss him dearly. Rick and Lisa Sharp"

Julie Fisher wrote on Nov 7, 2020:

"My condolences to you Alice and kids. Many memories from St Cloud and Spencer. RIP Rich. "

Dorothy J Schumer wrote on Nov 7, 2020:

"He was a great man, great Cyclone and a good friend, prayers to the family."

Jean Richey wrote on Nov 7, 2020:

"I worked with Rich during his tenure at Special Olympics Iowa. He was the best CEO SOIA ever had. He loved the athletes, joked with them (even posing with Herky at MidWinter Tournament), cheered them and raised their status in the community. He was responsible for bringing the first National Games to Ames which helped spotlight our program and community. As an Iowa State fan I also enjoyed his women's basketball broadcasts. There will never be another like him. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him! Jean Richey"

Jan Myers wrote on Nov 7, 2020:

"People of Spencer, Iowa send sympathy to family "

Glenn MacDonell wrote on Nov 6, 2020:

"Dear Alice & family, I?m sorry that I am unable to attend Rich?s memorial and celebration of life. This is a very sad loss for many people, especially your family who, I am sure, will miss him terribly for a long time to come. Rich was a fine man and a true inspiration to others in the Special Olympics community. Take heart in the tributes and nice words you?ve heard over the past week for they are the only way we can show you that we too will miss Rich and that his contribution to Special Olympics was meaningful and heartfelt. Rich?s passing will leave a void with many people but his legacy will live on in the hearts of everyone who knew and respected him. Yours respectfully, Glenn MacDonell "

Karen Van Drie wrote on Nov 6, 2020:

"Rich Fellingham was the kind of man who made a community great. May his family find comfort in all the ways he improved the city, state, and nation he lived in."

Michelle Snyder wrote on Nov 6, 2020:

"I do Special Olympics and he is a awesome to meet. He will be miss by all the athletes and Coaches that care for him and miss him"

Philip Geelhoed wrote on Nov 6, 2020:

"I first met Rich as a colleague, (thankfully) over time he became a good friend. He was gracious and kind, loved to laugh and loved to sit around the table with a glass of good red. Sincere condolences Alice & family, I am so sorry for your loss. You will be missed Rich, until we are all back together on the course again one day. "

Mary Beth Kokjohn wrote on Nov 6, 2020:

"Being involved with Special Olympics as a coach, I can appreciate his dedication to this population. My sympathies to the family. What a beautiful tribute this obituary was in that he sure was a man of community spirit!"

Rick May wrote on Nov 6, 2020:

"I was also honored to share the broadcast table with Rich for many years. Rich and I retired from the women's basketball broadcasts at the same time. All of the Big 12 WBB broadcasters gathered in Oklahoma City for a retirement celebration and it was a pleasure to share that stage with Rich who was always the consummate professional broadcaster and friend. Listeners to his Iowa State play-by-play could feel his excitement and love for the Cyclones. Rich used his words to paint a vivid picture of the game action leaving his radio audience with the sense of actually visualizing what was happening. I send loving thoughts and prayers to Rich's family, friends and to his Iowa State family. He will be missed but Rich will always remain in our hearts. Rick May-retired Baylor WBB radio. "

Mel Crippen wrote on Nov 6, 2020:

"Brother, Friend and mentor just a few words that come to mind when I think of Rich. We became friends long before KASI as I produced television and he was on radio. He and Alice were family to me as he and I shared a battle against cancer, he was my greatest strength. An important part of my life leaves with him but I take solace that Alice and the Fellingham ?TRIBE? as I often teased him, will remain as a tribute to the many accomplishments of his life. I love you and will miss you brother."

Marcia Ward Zachar wrote on Nov 6, 2020:

"Dear Alice sending heartfelt sympathy & prayers to you & your family."

Matt Coatney wrote on Nov 6, 2020:

"I was honored and humbled to share a seat on press row for many years with Rich. What an elegant man and a true gentleman. He elevated our craft and made listening to Iowa State Women's Basketball a true event. On behalf of my Nebraska Women's Basketball radio partner Jeff Griesch and all of our mutual friends who broadcast the great sport of women's basketball for fans, my sincere thoughts and prayers to Rich's family, friends and all of Cyclone Nation. I've lost a friend and our sport has lost a great ambassador. Thank you for leaving a lasting legacy. Matt Coatney/Voice of Nebraska Women's Basketball, Husker Sports Network."

Dee and Gary Kilpatrick wrote on Nov 6, 2020:

"Our sympathy to Alice and family. Rich will truly be missed by all that knew him. May God give you comfort and peace."

Marc Edenzon wrote on Nov 5, 2020:

"The best way to describe Rich is that he was a great man who was a sincere friend to so many. His impact on the lives of the athletes and families of Special Olympics Iowa will live on in generations to come. Rest In Peace and celebration Rich. You made an immeasurable contribution to the lives of thousands you served. Your legacy lives on in all of us. Thoughts and prayers to Alice and his entire family. We lost a champion today. Marc Edenzon"

Vicki Porter Kramer wrote on Nov 5, 2020:

"From the halls of Spencer High School to the air waves of KICD , taking bows as thespians at Buena Vista College or planning class reunions, I'm grateful for Rich's friendship thru the years. My prayers and sympathy to Alice and family. Vicki Porter Kramer"

Mark Musso wrote on Nov 5, 2020:

"Rich Fellingham was a dear friend and colleague to Brenda and me. I was supposed to be HIS mentor when he joined the Special Olympics CEO ranks. I learned early on he was MY mentor on how to be a loyal friend whom made you laugh and love life. Prayers to Alice and the family. Thanks Alice for all you did for Rich, you are an Angel. FINS UP Rich!!! Mark Musso"

Paul Lasley wrote on Nov 5, 2020:

"Rich was a friend to many of us and his passing stings. Rich and Alice were an mportant part of the Ames community and we are heart broken with his passing. I don't even like screwdrivers, but I will drink one tonight and listen to Jimmy Buffet in memory of my good friend. "

Rhonda McClung wrote on Nov 5, 2020:

"I really enjoyed working for Rich at Special Olympics Iowa. He was a great leader and boss. "

Barbara Lancaster wrote on Nov 5, 2020:

"Alice, and all of Rich's family. I am so sorry to hear of Rich's passing. He will be greatly missed at our class reunions. Hugs and prayers for all of you. Classmate, Barbara Lancaster"

Betty Gordon wrote on Nov 5, 2020:

"To Rich's family, My heartfelt sympathies to each of you on your beloved husband, dad, granddad, etc. death. I knew Rich's voice from KASI with all the lively conversations with him and Mel Crippen! Those 2 had such great chemistry together. May God comfort you now and in the days, months, and years to come."