Terry Dean Richard

June 21, 1946 – May 30, 2025

Terry Dean Richard, 78, passed away peacefully at his home in Holt, Missouri, after a courageous battle with B-cell lymphoma of the brain. Born on June 21, 1946, at Lutheran Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri, to Kenneth O. and Virginia L. Richard. Terry lived a life of service, dedication, and love. He graduated from Mehlville High School in 1965, where he excelled in football, marching band as a saxophone player, and dance competitions.

Terry proudly served his country in the U.S. Army from October 1965 to September 4, 1968. His saxophone skills from high school marching band led him to the U.S. Military Academy of Music and Army Band, and eventually to Korea, where he achieved the rank of E5, SP5 (T) with the 2nd Supply & Transportation Battalion, Eighth Army.

His passion and skill for woodworking was passed down from his father, and he completed his carpentry apprenticeship in 1973, becoming an active union member with Carpenters Local 1596. On June 26, 1976, Terry married Becky Lou Ewigman in Columbia, Missouri. Together they built a life on the family farm in Clarence, Missouri, where Terry operated his own construction company along with a livestock operation.

From 1981-1989, he traveled as a union carpenter, working on major projects including the General Motors plant in Wentzville, the Fenton Chrysler plant, Union Station remodel in St. Louis, and the nuclear plant in Fulton. In looking back, he was thankful to have lived in a rural setting where his two children were born and experienced a farm life as a family.

In 1991, the family made their new home in Kearney, Missouri, where Terry transitioned to Ford Motor Company as a skilled millwright. He had the opportunity to be on the development team for the first Ford Escape production in Claycomo, Missouri. He also served as a UAW 249 committeeman and board trustee for several years. His retirement in June 2012 allowed him to be fully committed to his community and actively participate with the Clay County Democrats.

Terry’s highlight was serving as a national Missouri delegate for Al Gore/Joe Lieberman. In 2018, he ran for Missouri State Senate District 12, advocating for protecting Missouri agricultural land from foreign ownership and workers’ rights.

Terry was a member of the Masonic Lodge, American Legion and VFW. During retirement he pursued his passion for fishing with friends and family, traveling with his wife to the coastlines and national parks, proudly stamping his US National Park passport at 22 different locations as well as traveling to Canada and upstate New York to fish with his friends and family.

Terry was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth O. Richard and Virginia L. Richard.

Survivors include his beloved wife, Becky L. Richard; son, Anthony Richard and spouse, Tracey Richard; daughter, Tara Fricke and spouse, Josh Fricke; four cherished grandchildren, Trey, Caden, Alex, and Jack; and brothers, Larry Richard, Robert Richard and spouse, Lana Richard, and David Richard and spouse, JoAnn Richard.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m.,  Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at Fry-Bross and Spidle Funeral Home, Kearney. Burial with military honors will be held at 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, Mo.