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(From Clark Funeral Home)Elza “Rusty” Ross Richards, passed away on November 17, 2023. He lived his entire 88 years in rural Neosho. Born to Elza Thomas and Ethel Lee Hugoboom Richards, on August 27, 1935. He graduated from Neosho High School in 1954 and pursued his passion for football at the University of Arkansas for two years.
On March 2, 1958, he was united in marriage to Carolyn Ann Kraft, his lifelong love and partner who preceded him in death on January 29, 2019. They enjoyed over 60 cherished years of marriage together. They built a beautiful family, raising three wonderful daughters, Paula, Lisa, and Recia.
Rusty served his country in the US Army from June 1958 to May 1960, stationed in Munich, Germany, serving during the same time as Elvis Presley. He also played football in Berlin during his service. He continued serving in the National Guard, retiring as a Sergeant.
Rusty worked for Goodyear Tire after he attended college, then was employed at Ozark Terminal. He worked at New Mac Electric Cooperative from 1966 until his retirement in 1996 as the operations manager. He was admired and very much respected within the community.
Rusty was a faithful member of the Bible Holiness Assembly of God Church, and was actively involved, serving as Sunday school superintendent, Deacon, and Trustee. He found joy in farming, woodworking (especially crafting Martin houses), and solving crossword puzzles. He was an avid reader who enjoyed reading Louis L’ Amour books. One of his greatest pleasures was tending to his garden and sharing its bounty with friends and family.
Rusty is survived by his daughters, Paula Sumner and husband Alan, Lisa Hughes, and Recia Lowery, seven grandchildren; Charity (Bretly) Jett, Rachel (Jacob) Vaughn, Lauren (David) Favre, Ruth (Jeff) Schneider, Trey (Allison) Lowery, Rhoda Sumner, and Dakota Hughes, seven great-grandchildren; Braxton and Bowdrie Jett, Grayson Vaughn, Gadge Schneider, Toby Vaughn, Charles Favre, Thea Lowery and three bundles of joy arriving soon. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Carol Richards, and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jack and Carolie Kraft, and many cherished relatives and friends.
Rusty was a faithful member of the Bible Holiness Assembly of God Church, and was actively involved, serving as Sunday school superintendent, Deacon, and Trustee. He found joy in farming, woodworking (especially crafting Martin houses), and solving crossword puzzles. He was an avid reader who enjoyed reading Louis L’ Amour books. One of his greatest pleasures was tending to his garden and sharing its bounty with friends and family.
Rusty is survived by his daughters, Paula Sumner and husband Alan, Lisa Hughes, and Recia Lowery, seven grandchildren; Charity (Bretly) Jett, Rachel (Jacob) Vaughn, Lauren (David) Favre, Ruth (Jeff) Schneider, Trey (Allison) Lowery, Rhoda Sumner, and Dakota Hughes, seven great-grandchildren; Braxton and Bowdrie Jett, Grayson Vaughn, Gadge Schneider, Toby Vaughn, Charles Favre, Thea Lowery and three bundles of joy arriving soon. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Carol Richards, and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jack and Carolie Kraft, and many cherished relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by his wife Carolyn, his parents, his sisters Marion Hopper, Mildred “Mickey” McCracken, Barbara “Bobbie” Richards, Ruthann Wilson, and his brothers Lee and Dale "Pete" Richards.
The family will be receiving friends during a visitation on Tuesday, November 21, from 5:00-7:00 pm at Clark Funeral Home in Neosho. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 22, at 1:00 PM at the Bible Holiness Assembly of God Church in Neosho, Rev. Daniel Taylor officiating, followed by a graveside service at King Cemetery, where Dr. Timothy Laurito will officiate. Full military honors will be performed by the Missouri Funeral Honors Program.
Contributions can be made in Rusty’s memory to the Bible Holiness Assembly of God Church, PO Box 398, Neosho, MO 64850.
The family will be receiving friends during a visitation on Tuesday, November 21, from 5:00-7:00 pm at Clark Funeral Home in Neosho. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 22, at 1:00 PM at the Bible Holiness Assembly of God Church in Neosho, Rev. Daniel Taylor officiating, followed by a graveside service at King Cemetery, where Dr. Timothy Laurito will officiate. Full military honors will be performed by the Missouri Funeral Honors Program.
Contributions can be made in Rusty’s memory to the Bible Holiness Assembly of God Church, PO Box 398, Neosho, MO 64850.
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