Obituary - Richard Wimsatt

Richard Lawrence Wimsatt, 83, Adrian, Missouri, died Thursday, April 12, 2012 at Adrian Manor, surrounded by family. Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 17, 2012 at the Crescent Hill Cemetery in Adrian. Friends may call from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Monday, April 16 at the Atkinson Chapel in Adrian. Memorial contributions may be made to the Adrian Fire Department or Heartland Hospice of Butler, MO.

Richard was born April 20, 1928 in Bates County, MO to John C. and Amelia (Foust) Wimsatt. He attended school in Archie, MO until he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in February 1946. He continued his service until November, 1947. On July 30, 1949 he was united in marriage to Jewel Dean Gillis. The two moved to Adrian, MO where they shared 62 years together. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.

He retired as a millwright from GM Leeds Plant in April, 1982 with 30 years of service. After retirement, he spent many hours in his shop doing woodworking, making toys for his grandkids. He loved traveling in his RV and crappie fishing at Truman Lake. He was a member of the Adrian United Methodist Church for over 50 years.

He coached Pee Wee and Little League baseball for many years. He always enjoyed visiting with his boys in later years and reminiscing about the games they played. He always suggested to Coach Bruto he needed to run the Z 28 play during the football games. If he wasn’t suggesting plays, he was looking for somebody to do the grasshopper two-step down at the hootenanny frog farm. He also enjoyed Wednesday morning coffee at the VFW Hall and spending time at Rudy’s helping the girls or sitting in the booth visiting with the coffee drinkers. His greatest joy was being surrounded by his family who were always together during his ups and downs.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, 4 brothers and 3 sisters. He is survived by his wife, Jewel; his sons, Richard Dean Wimsatt and wife, Debbie; Randy Lynn Wimsatt and wife, Vicki, all of Adrian, MO; his daughter, Sandra Kay Highley and husband, Owen of Odessa, MO; 5 grandchildren, Christopher Wimsatt, Butler, MO, Justin Wimsatt and wife, Diane, Adrian, MO, Joshua Highley and wife, Sarah, Independence, MO, Thad Wimsatt and wife, Leanne, Peculiar, MO and Kelsi Robards and husband, Eric, Amoret, MO; 8 great grandchildren, Kireston Luptak, Kamiron Luptak, Kerigan Wimsatt, Kendal Wimsatt, Kooper Wimsatt, Ben Highley, Sidney Wimsatt and Austin Wimsatt.

We will love you always and will miss you!