James “Donald” Richard, 81, of Lincoln, MO succumbed to lung cancer on October 11, 2019.

He was born in Church Point, LA, on February 14, 1938, son of the late Camille and Ada Marie Richard.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Mary “née Gotcher” Richard; his children: Donia Schmiege,
Camille Richard, Leah Richard, and Daniel Richard; his grandchildren: Talbert Richard, Owen Schmiege, Grace Ayala, Rachel Schmiege, Bennett Schmiege, Nathaniel Hedges, Kaleb Hedges, Moriah Skinner, Dylon Richard, Rebecca Richard and Alex Richard; his sisters, Easta Mae and Mary Lois; and his brother, Albert Lee Richard.

Donald attended Nederland High School, Nederland, TX.

He was a lifetime member of Iron Workers Local 125, Beaumont, TX.

As an iron worker he excelled at building bridges, roadways, missile silos, nuclear plants, and structures at Disney World and NASA.

Donald loved life and would converse with his numerous friends and strangers, alike.  He serve his community as a bus driver for the elderly.

He was a foster parent for abused and neglected children.

He never passed a Red Cross donation site without stopping, providing a lifetime record of 280 pints of blood.

Donald is best remembered for his abiding love for his wife, children, and grandchildren.

A funeral service is scheduled for 1:30 pm on Saturday, October 19, 2019 at Council Union Church York, NE.

En lieu of flowers, send donations the trust for care of Mary Richard, C/O Leah Richard, 2937 S. Stewart St, Springfield, MO 65804.

Make checks payable to James and Mary Richard MAP Trust.