Barry Dean Richard, of Webb City, passed away Thursday at his cherished farm. He was born April 15,1953, to Norma and Carl Richard in Parsons, Kan. Attending Catholic schools since kindergarten, he graduated from McAuley High School, briefly attended Missouri Southern State University, and earned a degree in agriculture from the University of Missouri. Barry was a charter member of the Kappa Alpha national fraternity and just attended their 50th celebration. He had also just attended his 50th high school reunion. He always enjoyed going to the reunions and “had a story about each of them.” He was a life member of the Joplin Elks Lodge 501 and Knights of Columbus.

Growing up in a family-owned bowling business, his very first job, at the age of 6, was to scrape gum off the underside of tables and to spray shoes. He was an avid bowler, attending many national and state competitions. He loved telling the story of winning a Missouri state team championship with his father, Carl, and his brothers, Ron, Randy and Dave, while wearing the pink pants his mother chose for them! Barry and brother Ron Richard, operated two Carl Richard Family Bowling Centers in Joplin until his retirement. Barry was inducted into the Joplin Bowlers Hall of Fame and held many Missouri State Bowlers district offices: especially for the youth division. He met hundreds of people through the bowling centers and truly loved talking to each person and finding out their history. He believed in a handshake and your word. Barry enjoyed being outside working around the farm and always had pets and horses.

Barry is survived by his loving wife, Terrie (Farren), and just celebrated their 37th anniversary. He was blessed with two children, Anna Ritter and husband Raleigh, of Seneca, and Paul Richard and wife Lauren, of Lees Summit; five grandchildren, Evelyn Ritter, Michael Ritter, Brecklyn Richard, Chloe Richard and Camden Richard. Barry is also survived by his siblings, Ron Richard and wife Patty, Joplin, Sandy Roderique and husband Chuck, Buckeye, Ariz., Dave Richard and wife Libby, Webb City, and Randy Richard, Fort Smith, Ark.; and many nieces and nephews.

Barry Richard, you will be missed, some people leave more than footprints in the snow. They walk with us for years, through joy and tears, and their memory stays in our hearts always.

A celebration of life was held Tuesday at 4th Street Bowl in Joplin. Contributions may be made to the Carl Richard Youth Bowling Scholarship Fund or Elks Lodge Christmas Baskets. Arrangements were under direction of Mason-Woodard Mortuary.