The Richmond News, Jan. 5, 2024

Kenny Hoard

Kenneth Ray “Kenny” Hoard, 87, of Richmond passed away Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, at Shirkey Nursing and Rehabilitation in Richmond. Kenny was born Feb. 2, 1936, in Kidder, the son of Cecil Ray and Fannie Faye (Murdock) Hoard. He was united in marriage to Donna Kay Burke of Richmond on June 22, 1956. She preceded him in death on July 8, 2016.

Survivors include his son, Steve (Diane) Hoard of Richmond; two daughters, Vicki (Greg) Smith of Excelsior Springs and Kathy Fitzwater of Richmond; six grandchildren, Megan (Craig) Minton, Maranda Fitzwater, Caleb Fitzwater (April Davis), Ryan Smith, AmberKay (Aaron) Kerr and Ariel Hoard (Joel Wilkens); six great-grandchildren, Trinity Oster, Karmyn Minton, Zanna Oster, Jack Minton, Brady Wilkens and Henry Kerr, with baby Wilkens on the way; brother, Dale Hoard of Liberty; sister, Virginia LaRue of Arkansas; and his beloved companion – his dog, Cookie.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Arthur Nolan Hoard.

Kenny left home at a young age and came to the Richmond area, where he started working for Roland Russell. He was an accomplished diesel mechanic who worked for many years in the area. He first worked for Julian Fowler, then for Waller Trucking Co.

Kenny went on to own and operate his own business, Hoard Truck and Tractor. He was an exceptional mechanic on older tractors and helped to restore many of them. Kenny loved tractor pulling and won lots of trophies.

He was an active member of the Christian Fellowship Ministries Church, where he served as an elder.

Kenny also farmed and raised cattle, which were two of his greatest passions. Kenny was a board member for the Richmond Rural Water District.

He will be dearly missed by his family and friends. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Christian Fellowship Ministry Church. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home; 507 East Main St.-P.O. Box 190; Richmond, MO 64085.

A celebration of Kenny’s life will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 7, at the Christian Fellowship Ministry Church in Richmond. Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond is in charge of the arrangements.

Please share your memories of Kenny by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.