Richard Lee Eads

Richard Lee Eads, 68, of Florence, MO, passed away Tuesday, May 17, 2022, at Bothwell Regional Health Center, surrounded by his family. On January 28, 1954, he was born in Sedalia, the son of Fred Eads and Mary (Monroe) Eads, who preceded him in death.

On June 16, 1973, in Sedalia, MO, he was united in marriage to Theresa Rose Hunt, who resides in the home.

He was born as the youngest of 12 siblings in rural Pettis County. He quickly learned his strong work ethic and love for the outdoors at an early age. Richard graduated from Smithton School in 1972 with many life-long friends. In the fall of 1972, he started dating the love of his life, Theresa Hunt. They married the following summer. Richard and Theresa built their life on Eads Hill in rural Morgan County. Over the course of the following six years, they welcomed two amazing daughters and raised them with a hard work ethic and a love for the outdoors. Richard especially loved his family and cherished spending time with his grandkids.

As a heavy equipment mechanic, he was proud of his profession, which provided for his family and allowed his children and wife to be successful college graduates. Richard had brilliant self-taught mechanical knowledge, which he loved sharing with others. Richard loved hunting, fishing, tractor parades, and collecting Mossberg rifles. He was an early member of the National Mossberg Collectors Association. Richard loved his Willy Jeeps and took frequent rides on the country roads.

Along with his wife, he is survived by two daughters, Rose Martin (Roy) of Green Ridge and Jessica Craig (Brandon) of Florence; five grandchildren, Dylan Martin (Mariya), Ashlee Martin, McKinzey Craig, Savannah Craig, and Elliott Craig; a sister, Loretta Proffitt (Steve) of Sedalia; his mother and father-in-law, John and Gertrude Hunt, of Sedalia; and a host of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by five brothers, Gene, Roy, Tom, Bill, and Charles Eads; five sisters, Madaline Willis, Irene Hocksteadt, Mary Margaret Suddeth, Janetta Steiner, and Carol Schick.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, May 21, 2022, at Rea Funeral Chapel with Father David Veit officiating. The family suggests everyone dress casually in honor of Richard's request.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until service time at the chapel.

The burial will be at Olive Branch Cemetery, Beaman, MO.

Pallbearers will be Roy Martin, Brandon Craig, Matt Dieckman, Dylan Martin, Ronald Eads, and Matt Eads.

Honorary bearers will be Dan Bahner, Dusty Merk, Loretta Proffitt, Barb Clifford, and Mike Bahner.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Richard Eads Scholarship Fund in the care of Rea Funeral Chapel.