HARRY DEAN RITCHIE

Harry Dean Ritchie, 77, of Richmond, MO, died on Thursday, February 1, 2018, at his residence in Richmond, MO.

Harry was born on September 11, 1940 in Richmond, MO, to John and Hazel Ritchie. He married Mary Lou Simpson of Chillicothe on July 31st, 1957, they later divorced. He married Patricia Halterman and she preceded him in death on June 20, 2011.

He fathered two children with Mary Lou Ritchie, Randy Dean Ritchie, deceased and Terri Lynn Ritchie of Excelsior Springs, MO; three brothers, Allen (Janet) Ritchie of Branson, MO, Paul (Loretta) Ritchie of Richmond and John Wayne (Shelley) Ritchie of Richmond; one sister, Kay Griffin of Burlington Junction, MO; 7 grandchildren; Heath VanDusen; Heather VanDusen (Matt Lowe), Jacob VanDusen (Jessica Moore), Jared VanDusen, Matthew Ritchie, Dustin Ritchie, Deann Farmer and Chase Farmer; 11 great-grandchildren, Kennedy, Gage, Kennley VanDusen, Cayden and Kennison Potter, Allie, Kymber and Kenzie Lowe, Felecity Manley, Kerrigan Moore and Hadleigh VanDusen; daughter-in-law, Cindy Stark of Chillicothe, MO; and a dear friend Faye Pugh who spent a number of years supporting each other and enjoyed their Sunday afternoon drives after Church.

While married to Patricia Ritchie he acquired a stepson Terry Farmer and had 2 grandchildren, Deann and Chase Farmer, and also a great-grandson Kayden Farmer.

In addition to his parents and wife, Harry was preceded in death by one son, Randy Dean Ritchie and two sisters: Joyce Emery, twin sister, Harriett Swope and grandson, Jason Ritchie. Harry (Bubby) had a number of friends and he missed most his dearest friend Raymond Skiles.

Harry was a Bricklayer by trade and a member of the BAC Local Union #15 in Kansas City, MO. He attended Hardin First Baptist Church in Hardin, MO. He was a member of Lexington Moose Lodge #1161. He played bass guitar with the Hog House Band in Lexington, MO. He was a resident of Richmond, MO, but had lived in Chillicothe, MO for a number of years while married to Mary Lou Simpson Ritchie. He later moved to Richmond, MO and married Patricia Ford Ritchie. He worked a number of years for JE Dunn as a bricklayer and continued to do brick work on the side until his retirement. His greatest passion was music. He played bass guitar with some of the greatest musicians. He was well known for bringing talent to the Farris Opera including Bobby Flores & The Yellow Rose Band where he accompanied them on his bass. And, you could find him at most of the Moose Lodge events where he performed with the Hog House Band. He was multi-talented and played bass, drums and guitar, but excelled on bass. His second greatest passion was fishing. He and Delbert Strickler were known to fish the honey holes and come back with a mess of crappy every time.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Hardin First Baptist Church.

Funeral services will be Saturday, February 10, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at Hardin First Baptist Church in Hardin. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church, February 10, 2018 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Burial will be in the Hardin Cemetery. Online condolences may be left on our website at www.thurmanfuneralhome.com