The Richmond News, Dec. 27, 2024

Dean Richards, 88, of Richmond went peacefully to be with his Lord Dec. 17, 2024, while at home, surrounded by his loving family.

Dean was born Feb. 25, 1936, at home in Beaman to Ollie Edward and Iola Frances (Fischer) Richards.

Dean Richards

Dean married Sharon Mines of Sedalia on Jan. 28, 1961. Dean was preceded in death by his parents; loving wife of 61 years, Sharon; and brothers, Edward Leo Richards, Loy L Richards and Lowell Howard Richards.

He is survived by his sister, Patty Weir of Sedalia; children, Joel (Kristy) Richards of Richmond, Dianne (Chris) McGuire of Hardin and Jill (Joyce Knight) Richards of Richmond.

Additional surviving family members are his grandchildren, Justin Richards and Jared Richards of Richmond, Stevan McGuire of Humansville and Brianne McGuire of Kansas City; and great-grandchildren, Elijah McGuire, John Richards and Jasper Richards.

Dean was a proud eighth-grade graduate of the Bothwell one-room school house that sits on U.S. Highway 65 north of Sedalia and the class of 1954 of Smith-Cotton High School in Sedalia. He received his associate’s degree in practical business in 1976 from Wentworth Military Academy and Junior College.

In 1955, Dean enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served his country stationed in Bamburg, Germany, until 1958, then served in the Army Reserve from 1958 until his honorable discharge with the rank of private first class in 1963. He was an active member of Richmond VFW Post 4398.

Dean began his career path with Skelly Oil Co. and retired from the Weights, Measures and Consumer Protection Division of the Missouri Department of Agriculture.

Along with being a lifetime member of the Lexington Moose Lodge and the Ray County Fair Association, Dean was active in many community organizations throughout his lifetime. He was an excellent carpenter, electrician and all-around handyman, and was called upon often to “fix” something.

Dean enjoyed going to auctions and even had his own bid number set aside by several auctioneering companies, in case he showed up!

He enjoyed riding motorcycles, and he and Sharon took many road trips throughout their marriage on his Guzzi touring bike.

Dean and Sharon loved to dance. And now, we are sure they are two-stepping their way through Heaven.

Interment will be at 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, at the chapel of the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery, 20109 Business Missouri Highway 13, Higginsville.

Dean’s celebration of life will take place 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11, at the Ray County Veterans Memorial Building, 312 Clark St., Richmond.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to the Ray County Fair Association, 1013 W. Royle St., Richmond, MO 64085; or Shirkey Hospice and Palliative Care, 804 Wollard Blvd., Richmond, MO 64085.