Rick Scacewater

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Dr. Rick Scacewater finished his life of faith in Christ and service to others on May 31, 2024, after a battle with cancer, never wavering in his trust in God’s plan for himself and his family.

Born on March 22, 1952 in Joplin, MO to Jimmy Jack and Marilyn Scacewater, he attended Siloam Springs High School (1970), where he quarterbacked the football team. He graduated with his BA at the University of Arkansas (1975), his medical degree at Tufts University (1979), and completed both his residency in Internal Medicine (1980–1982) and his fellowship in Pulmonary Medicine (1982–1984) at the University of Tennessee VA Hospital in Memphis.

Marrying Melanie McLemore in 1980, together they had three children. They moved to Joplin, MO, where he spent almost forty years in pulmonary practice and critical care, both in private practice and with Mercy Hospital (formerly St. John’s). Patients and their family members commonly praised him for his compassion, professionalism, and skill. He was honored by 417 Magazine as a Top Doctor thirteen times. After marrying Debbie Derdeyn in 1996, whom he always claimed was the woman of his dreams, she was a constant support for his professional accomplishments and in family life.

To the end, Rick maintained an interest in classic cars, schnauzer dogs, and fishing. His sons cherished many early morning fishing trips to Roaring River. He was an elder at Calvary Baptist Church in Joplin and served at Tenwek Hospital in Kenya on a medical mission with Samaritan’s Purse in 2018, where he had plans to continue serving. He was an avid supporter of many ministries, especially those involving youth.

More importantly than living well, he died well, leaving a testimony of resolute faith to all who witnessed his attitude and trust in God. During his final weeks, he cherished Scripture, prayer, sermons, and his favorite songs: Amazing Grace, It Is Well, and How Great Thou Art.

He is preceded in death by his parents Jimmy Jack and Marilyn and his daughter Kimberly. He is survived by his wife Debbie, his sons Mark and Todd (wife Dezi), his step-daughter Lindsay (husband Chris Davitt), and seven grandchildren: Noah, Zane, Joel, and Anya Scacewater, and Hayden, Lila, and Clara Davitt. He was a loving brother to Mike Scacewater and Karen Ward (husband Gary), uncle to Crystal Ward, and brother-in-law to Jan Millsap (husband Hal) and Dick Lambden (wife Jan).

Donations may be made in Rick’s honor to Samaritan’s Purse or Calvary Baptist Church in Joplin.

Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 am Thursday, June 6, 2024, at Calvary Baptist Church of Joplin, Missouri. Family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 pm Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at Mason-Woodard Chapel. Burial at Oak Hill Cemetery in Siloam Springs, Arkansas.

Arrangements under the direction of Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory - Joplin, Missouri.