Wayne Rieschel
Wayne Rieschel, Distinguished Graduate Inducted 2016
Wayne Rieschel says he always tried . If he was going to do something, he would do it well. As a distinguished graduate of Dallas County Schools of 1963, doing things wells describes his accomplishments and contributions to Dallas County. Wayne grew up in Buffalo attending all 12 years of school at Dallas County Schools. When he started the first grade, the first day of school, he got a spanking. The second day of first grade, he got a spanking. One the third day of school, he reconsider his conduct as he was probably going to be around a while. He made it all the way to the 8th grade before getting another spanking.
Mr. Rieschel was a member of the Bison basketball team another thing well done. During his four years of high school, his team only lost 16 games. Victories included the Blue and Gold Tournament Championship in 1962 and second place his junior year. He was selected first team All Ozark his senior year and continued his basketball career at Missouri State University with a basketball scholarship. He still attends the high school state tournament every year.
Mr. Rieschel also worked hard in high school playing his clarinet. He earned several I’s for solos and ensembles. Bryan Elhart said his wife had to wait for Wayne to graduate so she could become first chair clarinetist. His love for music was his first major in college but finished with a math degree and the desire to be a lawyer.
After finishing his bachelor’s degree, he enlisted in the US Navy from 1967-70 serving as a navigator of a Destroyer during the Vietnam War, as a Lieutenant JG. Following his service in the war, Mr. Rieschel continued his education earning a Doctor of Law degree from the University of Missouri Kansas City. At that time, he returned to his home in Buffalo and opened his own law practice.
In addition to his private practice, Mr. Rieschel served as an elected Dallas County Prosecutor for 28 years, as well as many other opportunities to serve his community including President of Rotary two times, Dallas County Welfare Advocacy Committee, two terms on the City Council, and two terms on the Dallas County Schools Board of Education in which he probably made more enemies than his 28 years as prosecutor. He also coached many youth basketball teams and served as the president of Little League baseball.
Mr. Rieschel’s family is here tonight to share in the honor of induction into the Dallas County Hall of Fame. His family includes his wife of 49 years, Pamela and his two daughters Karen and husband XXX of Lee’s Summitt and their two children. And daughter Angela and husband Jason Umbarger of Buffalo and their two sons. His daughters are also graduates of Buffalo High School both graduating as Salutatorians and following their father’s path practicing law.