Richard J. Bozarth of Springfield, Mo., passed away on June 25, 2013, at the age of 81.
He was born on June 26, 1931, in Adair County, Mo., as the only child of Dorothy (Garrett) and Lester Bozarth. Most of his childhood was spent in Newton. After graduating from Newton High School, Richard enlisted in the Air Force and served in the Korean War. Upon returning from the war, Richard began his career with the Maytag Company in Newton as an electrician. He married Joan Parker in 1953 and raised two sons, Robert and Jeffery, in Newton. Richard remained at Maytag until he was eligible for retirement. In 1972, Richard fulfilled a lifelong dream by purchasing a resort on Table Rock Lake. Richard and Joan purchased and ran Bozarth’s Hide Away Resort for many years. The resort was a source of much enjoyment and many customers became lifelong friends. Richard sold the resort in 1982 and built a beautiful home on Table Rock Lake with the “best view on the lake”. Richard then began a construction business, sold real estate and finally started his own appraisal business.
Richard leaves behind a loving family that lives by the example he set in his life. He was preceded in death by his wife, Joan, who died in 2008. Richard leaves behind two sons; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Surviving family members include his son, Robert M. and wife Cindy, their children: Blake, Paul and wife LeighAnn and daughter Lily, and Parker all of Ft. Worth, Texas. Also surviving are son Jeffery P. Bozarth and wife Sheryl, and their sons: Andrew and wife Casey and son Redd, and Christopher all of Springfield, Mo.
A graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Newton Union Cemetery in Newton.
Memorial donations may be made to Mt. Vernon Veterans Home Assistance League, 1600 S. Hickory St., Mt. Vernon, MO 65712.
Richard had a long and rewarding life. He lived life to the fullest and accomplished many things. He set an example for his family and his smile and sparkling blue eyes lit up the room. His grandson, Christopher, said it best, “You were an amazing great-grandfather, grandfather, father and husband. You showed us what it truly meant to be a Bozarth. You will be missed, but we will never forget all you have done for us and all the great memories we had together. It is sad to see you go, but I know you are in a better place and that Grandma and you will be watching down on us.” Richard will be greatly missed by all that knew him.
Arrangements are under the direction of Gorman-Scharpf Brentwood Chapel.