Noah Lee Estes, 63, of Richmond, passed away unexpectedly from injuries sustained in an early morning motorcycle/deer accident Wednesday, May 13, 2026, on his way to work. Noah was born Oct. 10, 1962, in Richmond, the son of Noah Samuel and Naomi Lee (Gregg) Estes. He was united in marriage to Stephanie Ann Daugherty of Richmond on March 28, 2014. She survives of the home.

Additional survivors include his four sons: Tyler (Amy) Mitchell of St. Louis; Colton Mitchell (Shannon Peterson) of Independence; Darren (Cassie) Estes of Jasper, Ark.; and Marcus (Ashley) Estes of Walnut Hills, Ark. He also is survived by his seven grandchildren; brother, Rodney Estes of Richmond; and two sisters, Valerie MacDonald of Richmond and Virginia (Kirk) Craven of Hardin.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Ronald Dee Estes; and sister, Judy Foley.

Noah was raised and educated in Richmond, graduating with the class of 1981 from Richmond High School.

He spent most of his working years in maintenance management, first at Silver Dollar City and later with his employer at the time of his passing, Windland Foods/AIPC Pasta Factory in Excelsior Springs, where he had worked since 2007. Noah was a hard-working man who took great pride in providing for his family, whom he loved deeply.

When he wasn’t working, Noah found his greatest joy in the outdoors. He was an avid outdoorsman who especially loved mushroom hunting with his family. For Noah, it was never just about finding mushrooms, but about sharing them with others, often quietly giving them away to friends and family while preferring to remain anonymous. He also enjoyed deer hunting and treasured the many memories made with his loved ones in the great outdoors.

A devoted Christian man, Noah was known for his strong faith, kind heart and protective nature toward those he loved. He was a proud and loving husband, father, brother and “Papa,” a title he cherished most of all. His grandchildren brought immense joy to his life; and he loved spending time with his family, particularly during the holidays, his favorite being Halloween.

Noah will be remembered for his generosity, his quiet strength, and the deep love he had for his family and friends.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Noah Estes Memorial Fund. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home; 507 E. Main St.P.O. Box 190; Richmond, MO 64085.

Visitation and memorial services will be held Friday, May 22, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond, with visitation beginning at 1 p.m. and services to follow at 2. Inurnment will follow in Richmond Memory Gardens.

Please share your memories of Noah with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.