Richard Paul Williams, 81, of Stotts City, Missouri, passed away Monday morning, October 9, 2017 in the comfort of his home surrounded by his loving family.

Richard entered this life on September 13, 1936 in rural Jasper County, Missouri to the union of the late Paul Fredrick and Katherine Pearl (Wilbur) Williams. He grew up in the Carthage, Missouri area. His senior year the family moved to Sarcoxie, and he graduated from Sarcoxie High School in 1954. On August 25, 1956 he was united in marriage to Shirley Bekemeier, sharing sixty one years together. He retired in 1997 as an electrical lineman for IBEW Local 53, of Kansas City. Richard was a hard and devoted worker. He enjoyed raising cattle and being on the farm, as well as spending time with family and friends. For years he also attended union meetings in Kansas City and later in Springfield, Missouri. He was also a member of the Stotts City Saddle Club.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Sue Cook.

Richard is survived by his wife, Shirley of the home; three daughters, Debra Schubert and husband, Bob of Stotts City, Missouri, Dedra Moennig and husband, Bob of Piece City, Missouri, Deanna Botts of Mt. Vernon Missouri; two sons, Doug Williams and wife, Linda, of Mt. Vernon, Missouri and David Williams and wife, Sandee of Ft. Worth, Texas; fourteen grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; brothers, Fred Williams and wife, Lynn, of Sarcoxie, Missouri, Wesley Williams and wife, Sandra, of Sarcoxie, Missouri, Ronnie Williams and wife, Nancy, of Granby, Missouri and Jim Williams of Sarcoxie, Missouri; one sister, Twyla Harper and husband, Tom of Carthage, Missouri; as well as a host of other family and friends.

Graveside funeral services are 10:00 a.m. Thursday, October 12, 2017 at Union Cemetery in Stotts City, Missouri, with Pastor Wayne Rose officiating. Visitation will be from 6-8:00 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Those honoring his life by serving as pallbearers are Matt Schubert, Mitch Moennig, Daniel Botts, Seth Botts, Shane Williams and Trace Williams. Honorary pallbearers are Bob Schubert, Bob Moennig, Derrick Jack, Daniel Wright, Joseph Garate' and Dakota Hollaway. Memorial contributions may be directed to Trinity Lutheran School, Freistatt, Missouri, Emergency Services for Children, Mt. Vernon, Missouri or Back Pack Program, Aurora Schools, and may be left at the funeral home. On-line condolences may be sent to the family through our website www.housh-goodwinfuneralhome.com . Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home in Sarcoxie, Missouri.