Richard Parkhurst

Robert Richard Parkhurst, 84, of Sedalia, passed away Saturday, March 2, 2024, at Bothwell Regional Health Center.  

He was born August 23, 1939, in Sedalia, a son of William Robert and Mildred Lucille (Fitch) Parkhurst.   On December 26, 1976, in Sedalia, he married Judy Arlene Downey who survives of the home.  

Richard was a 1957 graduate of Smith Cotton High School and attended Missouri Valley College in Marshall.

He was a member of First Christian Church in Sedalia since 1975 and served as a Deacon, Elder, Board Chairman and five years as Explorer Scouts Leader.

Richard worked for Parkhurst Mfg. serving as Vice President and President for 30 years.  He then became the owner of Metal Processors, Inc. During this time, since 1954, he also farmed row crops and raised cattle.

Richard was a member of the Missouri State Chamber of Commerce, lifetime member of the Sedalia Area Chamber of Commerce, 20-year board member of Center for Human Services and served on the Sedalia Heritage Foundation and Chairman of the Sedalia Airport Board.

He was a dedicated leader in the Boy Scouts of America earning many awards including; Scouters Key, Silver Beaver, Golden Beaver, Wood Badger. He was a member of the Order of the Arrow. He participated in the Philmont Scout Ranch for 5 years, the National Jamboree and World Jamborees including Japan, Norway, and USA. He served 30 years as Scoutmaster, and five years as Post Advisor.

He was a great cook. Maybe not on time, but always worth the wait. He loved to fly and was an FAA certified airplane pilot (multi land & instrument). He collected coins, dishes, guns, and knives.

He enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, and birding and was always happy to pass his love on to the next generation.

Richard had a special relationship with his college friends from Missouri Valley. He enjoyed hosting “Rendezvous” weekends with his buddies and later adding their entire families to the fun and camaraderie.

Richard will be remembered as a good Christian man and a good friend. He was also a gifted writer and storyteller. He shared his stories in a column for the Sedalia Democrat for multiple years.

He was a strong supporter and contributor of State Fair Community College. He enjoyed organizing deer camp, float trips and BWCA canoe trips.

In addition to his wife Judy, he is survived by five children, Susan Kay Kromrie (Ken) of Warrensburg, Amy Kathleen Reine (Terry) of Independence, Richard Steven Parkhurst (Trina) of Sedalia, Jonathan Crockett Parkhurst (Michelle) of Sedalia, and David Houston Parkhurst (Stephanie) of Sedalia; 16 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.  

In addition to both of his parents he was preceded in death by one brother, Marvin "David" Parkhurst.  

Memorial services will be held at 11:30 am on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at First Christian Church in Sedalia with Rev. Dr. Chad McMullin officiating.

Visitation will be held from 9:30 am until service time at the church.

Inurnment will take place in Crown Hill Cemetery.  

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Richard & Judy Parkhurst Endowed Scholarship at State Fair Community College, First Christian Church, or Boy Scouts of America.