Richard Eugene Baker of Hardin, MO passed away peacefully on February 13, 2025, at 2:25 A.M., with his loving family by his side.

Richard was born on September 14, 1932, in Independence, MO, to Theodore Wellington & Helen Gwendolyn (Morris) Baker.

He is survived by his wife, Lulabelle (Holloway) of 64 years; two daughters, Stacy (Jeff) Wolfe of Hardin, MO, Krista (Richard) Stigall of Overland Park, KS;  granddaughter, Ellie Stigall, KS;  brother, Donald "Donnie" (Natalie) Baker of Carlton, TX; sister-in-law, Mary Lou (Kenny) Leslie, along with seven nieces and twelve nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers, Theodore Edward "T.E.", Raymond Irvin, Robert Lee, Kenneth LeRoy, Lawrence Ray and sister, Doris Mae Drooger.

Richard started school at Peacedale in Atherton, MO.  In 1942, at the age of 10, the family moved to Hardin where he graduated from high school in 1951.  He worked at the family owned and operated sawmill located behind their home in Hardin.  From there he would go on wheat harvest with his father and brothers, doing custom combining across Kansas, Nebraska, the Dakota's and Montana.  He went into the Army in December of 1952 during the Korean Conflict, serving his time in Germany as a gun mechanic.  He was honorably discharged in December of 1954 and went to school at Research Medical Center where he obtained training as an X-Ray technician.  He was called back to serve on standby in the reserves until December of 1960.

He worked for TWA, Lake City and farmed for several years before finding his calling as an owner/operator driving a truck until retiring in 1998.  He worked on the construction of the Hardin overpass; he worked tireless hours for Damon Purcell during the 93 flood in the Carrollton area.  He purchased his first "new" truck, a red and white International Transtar 4200 in 1975.  After his official retirement, he drove for several more years for local farmers hauling grain.

In his spare time, Richard helped his brother Kenny in the construction business.  He loved wood working.  He handmade a cane that he was very proud of and would come in handy over the years.  In his earlier years, he enjoyed hunting trips to Colorado, water skiing at the Lake of the Ozarks and riding motorcycles, all with his sweetheart Lulabelle by his side.  He loved spending time with his family, his very special granddaughter and his nephews and nieces.  He will be dearly missed.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to either the American Alzheimer's Association or Hardin United Methodist Church. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home, 507 E Main Street, P O Box 190, Richmond, MO 64085.

Visitation with funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond, with visitation beginning at 1:00 P.M. and services to follow at 2:00 P.M.  Inurnment will be held at a later date.  Please remember to share your memories of Richard with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.