(From Barnes Funeral Home)J. Richard Ytell passed away Friday, June 7, 2024, in Ozark at the age of 82. He was born July 11, 1941, in Joplin to Jack Ytell and Georgia (Thompson) Boggess.
Richard graduated from Webb City High School in 1959. He began working for Commonwealth Theaters in Columbia in 1960, while attending the University of Missouri, beginning a career in theater management that spanned over 40 years. He managed theaters and drive-ins in Columbia, Lawrence, Kan., Pine Bluff, Ark., and Oklahoma City, Okla.
For several years in the 1970s he managed an independent theater in Joplin before moving to Commonwealth’s headquarters in Kansas City. When Commonwealth Theaters was acquired by United Artists he was transferred to Minneapolis, Minn., where he was regional manager for the Great Lakes Region.
Richard was renowned for his promotional efforts at the theaters he managed. He produced radio and newspaper advertisements for his drive-ins and theaters, holding various contests and pioneering midnight showings. He organized and was master of ceremonies for Showarama, an annual convention for the theater industry in the Midwest.
Richard married Diana Sue (Counts) in 1962. He was a devoted husband and father. Richard coached his son’s baseball teams for many years. In retirement, Richard and Diana lived in Springfield and Ozark, where he enjoyed golfing and beekeeping. He was an active member of the Beekeepers Association of the Ozarks. He also devoted much of his time to the building committee of his church.
Richard married Diana Sue (Counts) in 1962. He was a devoted husband and father. Richard coached his son’s baseball teams for many years. In retirement, Richard and Diana lived in Springfield and Ozark, where he enjoyed golfing and beekeeping. He was an active member of the Beekeepers Association of the Ozarks. He also devoted much of his time to the building committee of his church.
He is survived by his wife, Diana, of Ozark; son Jon (Marta Remmenga) Ytell, Fort Collins, Colo.; son Jeff (Alexis) Ytell, Chicago, Ill.; sister Sue (Bruce) Layton, Diamond; and grandchildren, Kate (Jonathan Starr) Ytell, Englewood, Colo., Jay Ytell and Marie Ytell, Seattle, Wash.
A celebration of life service is scheduled for 5 p.m. Wednesday, June 26, at Community of Christ Church, 900 E. Battlefield Road, Springfield, MO.
Arrangements under the care and direction of Barnes Family Funeral Home, Ozark.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, The Alzheimer’s Association, or CASA of Southwest Missouri.
No comments:
Post a Comment