Richard Kaut

(From Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home)

Richard Doyle Kaut was born on the 13th of September 1952 to Harry and Esther Kaut in Kansas City, Missouri. He would grow up working on cars and engines, learning to love making things run properly. As a young man he would go on to serve his country in the Navy. After receiving a medical discharge, he would return home to Missouri, where he would meet and marry Judith Steelman in the spring of 1971. They would go on to have three children: David, Chadrick, and Heidi.

During his work life, Richard owned and ran semis for various companies until he joined the Teamsters and moved to working on the pipeline as a heavy haul specialist. He made many friends and connections over the decades he worked the pipeline.

 

After retiring in 2018, he again returned to Missouri to focus on his first passion: working on engines. His final years were spent working on and building engines with a special focus on steam engines. One of his greatest joys was to take his engines to various steam and engine shows across the area.

In the fall of 2024, he was diagnosed with lymphoma and began treatment for it. He would joke that he expected to go bald but hoped he wouldn’t lose his mustache that he’d worn for over fifty years.

On the evening of the 30th of December 2024, Richard suffered a heart attack and passed away, despite the incredible efforts of local first responders.

He is preceded in death by one granddaughter, Kayanna; one son, Chadrick; and his father, Harry.

 

Per his wishes, he will be cremated and his ashes scattered on the property he and his wife lived on together for 39 years. No services are planned at this time. For those wishing to honor his memory, please make a donation to the Ozarks Older Iron Club, Cabool Missouri. The preservation of historic engines was his greatest wish.

Cremation arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home in Sarcoxie, MO