Richard Arnold

Richard Louis Arnold, 70, passed away at home on October 9, 2021 after a brief and brave battle with cancer.

Richard was born August 13, 1951, in Springfield, MO to John Joseph Sr. and Rose Mae (McKinley) Arnold.

Beloved husband to Mary Ann (Sebek), father to Michael (Christine) of California, stepfather to Kraig (Leslie) Barr, Ken Barr (Heather Garner), and Kassi (Travis) Clifton of Louisiana, and brother to Jerry (Esther) of Ohio, John (Dalenita), Sharon (Gary) Swanby of Minnesota, and Charles (Virginia). Adored Papa to Kelsey, Levi, Emily, Kelee, Brooke, Avrianna, and Zealand. Close uncle and friend to many cherished cousins, nieces and nephews and “adopted” family.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Kenneth, and stepdaughter, Kelly Jean Lawler.

Richard was a city bus driver for City Utilities for 32 years and made everyone feel welcomed and respected. There was no one more genuine, humble, or kind. He made many friends along the way, as he did in each facet of his life, and touched so many lives on the journey. This was confirmed at his retirement party, where not only bus drivers showed up in droves, but also his passengers, which management at the time had never seen happen before.

It was once said that “The true measure of a man is how they treat the person who can do them absolutely no good.” According to his son, and I’m sure countless others, Richard was the embodiment of this. Particularly as a city bus driver, Richard often drove people who were down on their luck or who weren’t probably used to being paid too much attention, but Richard saw and cherished everyone, and made them feel seen. He looked people in the eyes as he said “hello”, and you could feel his warmth.

Richard was a man of unwavering faith, even through the intense battle with prostate cancer, and until the very end. He had no doubt where he would spend eternity.

He loved singing and playing guitar to worship. He was in the St. Agnes church choir for years and met many lifelong friends along the way. Many often talk about “Richard’s song” “I Love You Lord”, and how beautifully he sang and taught.

Richard loved playing games, and was always willing to patiently teach new players so that they could join in the fun. His favorite was a card game called Nicklel Nickel and many of us have stories of joyfully playing with him into the wee hours of the night over the years. There were always many laughs along the way.

Richard had a gentle demeanor and was soft spoken, but always had a quick witted remark, ready to make people laugh and lighten the mood. He was quite the goofball and had a mischievous smirk. His siblings have countless “Richard stories” of his fun shenanigans. His fellow bus drivers also have plenty of Richard’s “prankster” moments to share.

He was a gentle soul and a teddy bear and made friends wherever he would go. He loved people fiercely and without judgment. Richard had an adventurous soul and was genuinely up for anything. He and his wife, Mary Ann, would drop everything at anytime to help out a friend or family member in need or celebrate a big milestone. The most gracious, selfless, and loving couple out there.

Richard was a doting and adored father and grandfather and willing to talk about and show pictures of his prides and joys to anyone who would listen. He had countless photos on his phone from the many FaceTime calls he had with his grandkids who lived out of state. And countless photos from all of his grandkids in their various endeavors or sweet moments at his home with “Papa and Grammy”.

Richard was always behind the camera capturing photos for anyone and everyone, and would often give everyone a disc with their photos on it after an event. Sometimes it was hard to find photos with him in it, because he was always the one taking photos and making sure people’s memories were captured.

As an avid photographer he particularly loved capturing sunrises and sunsets, and he left us a with a beautiful one of each on the day of his passing. We hope all got to enjoy it. He will be immensely missed.

Visitation will be held from 5-7pm Friday, Oct. 15, 2021, at Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home, 500 E. Walnut Street in Springfield, MO.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021, at St. Agnes Cathedral in Springfield with Father Thomas Kiefer Celebrating.

The Memorial Mass will be broadcast live online beginning at 11:00am on October 16, 2021 at
https://www.facebook.com/alloccasionvideo

In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to the Humane Society of Southwest Missouri, 3161 W. Norton Road, Springfield, MO. 65803.

Permanent online condolences, stories and photos may be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.com.