William "Billy" Donald Bathgate, 67, a resident of Richmond passed away at his home on April 16, 2023, after battling Pulmonary Fibrosis for the last five years.

Bill was born on March 22, 1956, to Robert and Vera Bathgate. He graduated from Richmond High School and went on to farm and do mechanical work.

Bill married Donna Coats on September 13, 1981, and even though he had no children, Justin and Jared Shepard were like sons to him. Bill knew how to do just about anything and was an accomplished mechanic for many years. Bill retired from MoDot in April of 2023. His passion was his horses, specifically his American Mustangs that he adopted from BLM. He and his wife loved to go to the adoptions and rarely came home with an empty trailer.

Bill was such a caring man, he always tried to make sure those he cared about were happy and taken care of. Bill would give anyone the shirt off his back if they needed it.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife Donna and his parents Robert and Vera.

He will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved, and the sun shines a little dimmer without Bill around.

Memorial contributions in Billy's name can be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home P.O. Box 190 – 507 East Main St. Richmond, MO 64085.

A memorial service celebrating his life will be held on Thursday, April 20, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. in the chapel of Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond. Inurnment will be held at a later date in New Hope Cemetery. Please remember to share your memories of Billy with the family at www.thurmanfuneralhome.com