Richard Simmermon (Beard)

Richard Eugene Simmermon age 80 of Independence, Missouri departed this life on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at the home of his sister on hospice care, and Niece Carrie Martin that cared for her best uncle ever.

Richard was born in Kansas City, Missouri, on June 13, 1944. Born to his Mother Elsie Alma Branson and Father Ernest Dear Simmermon.

Richard attended grade school at Carlisle Elementary and went on to Vanhorn High School.

Richard served 3 years in the Army in Vietnam. He enlisted October 29, 1964 and returned home January 22, 1968. He was stationed at Fort Rucker, Alabama.

Richard spent most of his professional career as a truck driver. He was a local 41 member. One of his high points was working for Yellow Freight. His most recent job was a dump truck driver for Bob Barker.

He was a big coffee drinker and knew all the waitresses from here to California, Cowboy Mike was his partner and friend for 45 years.

Richard grew up loving the races as a young child. He and his sisters were at the races he grew up that way. It was the love of his life side by side with this family. If there was a dirt track racing, he was there if there were more than one, he would have tried to be at both if he could have. His favorite drivers were #15T Dave Turner, #21 Billy Moyer among many other drivers but those were his favorites. And in the wintertime Richard watched the races on TV.

Richard is preceded in death by his Mother, Father, 2 sisters Betty Jo Morgan, and Mildred Irene Powell.

Richard is survived by Sharon Lewis of 31 years, Bobbie Jo Meador (Bryan), 3 grandchildren Kristiana Meador, Carly Meador, Bryce Meador and Great grandson Koen Lawrence Ross. Richard leaves behind 4 sisters, Wanda Ford (Larry) Independence, MO, Sandra Cook (Melvin Sr.) Ross Ann Courtney of Garden City, MO, Alice West (John Sr) Archie, MO. Many nieces and nephews, great and great-great. He will be missed by everyone.

Visitation will be held 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Saturday, March 22, 2025 at Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri.

Graveside Service with Military Honors will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 22, 2025 at Garden City Cemetery, Garden City, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation and may be made though the link or sent in care to Dickey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 432, Harrisonville, Missouri 64701.