Richard Paul Dette

Richard was born in Brinktown, Missouri in Maries County on July 8, 1939, on a 360 acre homestead farm beside the Little Maries River four miles south of Brinktown. Dr. Donley Gates of Brinktown was the attending physician. Richard’s parents are Emil George (10/28/1915–3/24/2010) and Marcella Gertrude Haggerty of Vienna (4/27/1920-9/27/1988) burial at Holy Guardian Angel Cemetery. Richard’s paternal grandparents are Paul Simon Dette (1/25/1874-11/23/1954) and Mary Margaret Juergens (2/22/1879-5/1/1960) also buried at Holy Guardian Angel Cemetery. Maternal grandparents are John George Haggerty (6/15/1894-12/19/1931) and Clara Brandel (3/15/1898-2/6/1932) burial at Visitation Cemetery (Hwy 42) in Vienna, Missouri. Richard served as an Altar Boy at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Dixon for numerous years. Richard attended Dixon R-1 Schools and graduated in May 1957 as a special needs student. Richard worked various Dixon jobs delivering propane gas, assisting at downtown laundry facility, and mowing lawns. He married Alice May Holt of Richland on June 13, 1970, at St. Theresa’s Church in Dixon by Fr. Schmidt. The happy couple moved to Richland, MO purchasing a small home at 202 S. Camden. Two children were born, Lora Mae (now Hobbs) on March 12, 1972 and Charles William on March 5, 1975. Richard continued employment working at a nearby boat factory in Lebanon, delivery of propane gas and mowing lawns. Richard was a friendly, lovely and warm, helpful person. He volunteered his time and effort assisting his elderly next-door neighbor, Mrs. Berry, picking up merchandise from the store and bringing items to her. Uncle Henry and Aunt Allieen Dette of Dixon were very active in monthly home visits to Richard checking on his health status and emotional well being. Richard was an active member of the First Baptist Church in Richland. Whenever the American Red Cross bloodmobile came into town, you could always count on Richard giving blood. Richard has two siblings, Robert Ernest (4/21/1942-12/26/2008) of Dixon and Susanna Farrar Priddy and husband Gary of Spring, TX. He has a nephew, Brian C. Farrar and wife Amy of Cedar Park, TX; a niece, Renee A. Farrar McCharen and husband Jeff of Austin, TX. Other nieces/nephews are Mary Butts of Dixon, MO; Bill Dette of St. Louis, MO. Richard has several “great” nieces/nephews Amanda and Benjamin of Cedar Park, TX; Bryan Butts of Rolla, MO; and Megan and Deneen Dette of St. Louis, MO. Richard dearly loved his two children, being a good neighbor, and playing with his dog. You could find him sitting on his porch smoking a cigarette and being friendly to any passing people. On May 25, 1988, Richard was divorced. He continued to remain at his homestead at 202 S. Camden until his transfer to Richland Care Center in January 1998. Even with serious health issues – including Parkinson’s, heart disease, and diabetes complications – Richard somehow maintained a smile on his face when he had visitors. The care and compassion shown by the members of the First Baptist Church and Richland Care Center will long be remembered by his family. Richard’s generous big smile will remain in our thoughts and hearts a long time. Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, December 8, 2011 in the Memorial Chapel of Richland with Pastor Bob Lilly officiating. Soloist Becky Lercher sang “On Eagle’s Wings” and “In the Garden”. Serving as escorts were members of the First Baptist Church of Richland and serving as honorary escorts were Brian Farrar, Bryan Butts, Jeff McCharen and Bill Dette. Burial followed in the Holy Guardian Angel Cemetery of Brinktown, Missouri. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapel of Richland. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Richland Building Fund and may be left at the funeral home.

Richard Paul Dette

July 8, 1939 - December 5, 2011