Richard "Dick" VanRiper, a devoted servant of God and a pillar of his community, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 in Waldron, Arkansas, surrounded by his loving family. He was 96 years old.
Born on July 3, 1929, in Elko, Nevada, Dick spent his nine decades on this earth as a beacon of light. A devout Christian, his life's mission was to share the Gospel; he led many souls to Jesus through his unwavering faith and gentle spirit. Dick never met a stranger. To know him was to have a friend, a confidant, and a prayer warrior in your corner. Whether offering a listening ear during tough times or praying with someone to provide peace and reassurance, he greeted every person with a unique grace and understanding that made everything feel better.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Leslie Elmer VanRiper and Ruth Fry VanRiper; his brother, Donald Ray VanRiper; his son, Duain VanRiper and his nephew, Ron VanRiper.
His legacy of love continues through those he leaves behind, his sister, Phyllis Klune; his son, Glen VanRiper; and his daughters, Judy VanRiper and Pam VanRiper. He is also survived by his nephews, Donald (Edith) VanRiper, Jerry (Susan) VanRiper, Allen (Tara) VanRiper, and Bob (Kathy) VanRiper; his niece, Barbra (Randy) Downs; cherished friends, Clinton and Billie Jo Corbin and many beloved great-nieces and great-nephews.
We will celebrate Dick’s extraordinary life and his homecoming to the Lord at 10 a.m. on Monday, March 23 at Freedom Free Will Baptist Church with burial at Coop Prairie Cemetery under the direction of McConnell Funeral Home of Greenwood.
Pallbearers will be Clinton Corbin, Pat Ray Biggs, Gerald Hattabaugh, Mike Galianto, Mark Cumbie and Seth Feimster. Honorary pallbearers will be Glen VanRiper, Zipper Rupe and Scott Welch.
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness..." Timothy 4: 7-8. Dick’s light shone brightly in this world, and while he will be deeply missed, that light remains in the countless lives he touched.
