Richard Alan Learned

April 9, 1942 - March 31, 2019

On Sunday, March 31, 2019 the world stopped. Richard Alan Learned I, handsome husband, fantastic father of five, tragically passed away in a car accident, a few days shy of his 77th birthday.

Richard was born in 1942 in Somerville, MA to Edwin and Virgina Learned. He served in the U.S. Navy, and was a very recognized and valuable employee of Southland Corporation, where he achieved some of the highest honors and awards given. He married Lenna, the light and love of his life and his reason to be on July 26, 1972. Together, they raised two sons, Jerry and Richard II , and three daughters, Donna, Shannon and Heather.  

Richard was the consummate Aries and quite the presence in any room. He was an amazing singer, and so enjoyed singing. In his younger days he could really cut a rug, and loved to dance. Some may know him from all the money he talked you out of at the swap meet. He loved cars, and his dream car, '57 Chevy Bel Air, was being restored as a surprise to give him on Father's Day. He was such a smart man, known for his quick wit, his infectious smile, his charisma and the ability to make a friend of all, as well as his otherworldly head of beautiful hair (the envy of any man over the age of 30).

Richard is preceded in death by his father, Edwin, his mother, Virginia, and his younger sister, Phyllis. He is survived by his beautiful bride, Lenna, his five adoring children, Jerry (Stacy), Stockton, UT, Donna (Dan), Sandy, UT, Shannon, Sandy, UT, Heather (Jeremy), Herriman, UT and Richard II (Amy), West Jordan, UT, 13 grandchildren, four great grandchildren, and his ex-wife, Florence (Dennis), LaMarque, TX. His brother Edwin is the surviving member of the Learned family, he is also survived by his brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins, a shload of other family, as well as countless friends, who will all feel his absence so immensely. 

A service to celebrate the most beloved husband, father, grandpa, brother, uncle and friend will be on Saturday, April 6, 2019 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Guests are encouraged to use the complimentary valet parking on the north side of the building. Don’t be late and plan to laugh and cry equally.