John Richard "Ducky" Schofield

“Ducky” or “Dick” was born on January 7, 1935, in Springfield, the son of John and Florence (Campbell) Schofield. He married Donna Jean Dabney on June 16, 1956, in Omaha, NE; she preceded him in death on November 8, 2012.

Dick spent the majority of his life in Springfield. He attended Harvard Park Grade School and could often be found playing baseball with his friends at Lincoln Park. The passion that Dick had for the game of baseball was beyond compare. His whole life was baseball. After graduating from Springfield High School in 1953, Dick or “Ducky” as he came to be known, embarked on his career with Major League Baseball. He was the first “bonus baby” hired by the St. Louis Cardinals in July of 1953 and played a total of 19 seasons in the major leagues. He went on to play for the Pittsburgh Pirates, San Francisco Giants, New York Yankees, L.A. Dodgers, Milwaukee Brewers, and the Boston Red Sox. Dick had the honor and privilege of playing in two world series. He was a member of the 1960 World Champion Pittsburgh Pirates and played a pivotal role in capturing the N.L pennant that year. Dick played in his second World Series in 1968 with the St. Louis Cardinals.

When he wasn’t playing baseball or helping raise his family, Dick took on other responsibilities. He became the “all-time quarterback” for the Circle Drive neighborhood football games and on occasion, there where so many children playing that their bikes would block Donna from pulling her car into the driveway. As the neighborhood children grew to be teens, and then adults, they would still play an anniversary football game on Thanksgiving Day for many years. Dick also enjoyed playing basketball, playing cards with his friends, and to say he loved golf would be an understatement. Another passion of Dick’s was working in the yard. He especially enjoyed landscaping and mowing the grass. To this day, the riding lawn mower Dick bought over 40 years ago still sits in his daughter Kim’s garage. Although Dick was known to be an intense, successful, dedicated athlete, he was also very giving and filled with kindness. Dick helped many people during his lifetime, and never expected anything in return. Most importantly, he was extremely proud of his family. He enjoyed cheering on his children and grandchildren during their many sporting events and activities; and especially loved to watch his son, Dick, play baseball over the years. “Ducky” Schofield will be deeply missed by his family, his friends, and a proud Springfield community.

He was also preceded in death by his daughter, Tami Schofield, and his parents.

He is survived by his son, Dick Schofield of Camdenton, MO; one daughter, Kim (Dennis) Werth of Springfield; eight grandchildren, Jason (Julia), Hillary (Morgan), Hannah Werth, Haley (Chad Oldridge) Whitehurst, Gracie (Al) Werth, and Hank, Hayden, and Millie Schofield; and five great-grandchildren, Jackson and Judah Werth, Pyper and Audrey Oldridge, and Riley Schofield.

As Dick requested, a private family ceremony was held and his family plans to host a Celebration of Life at a later date.

Cremation will be provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Processing Center, P.O. Box 96011. Washington, DC 20090-6011.

The family is being served by Boardman-Smith Funeral Home, 800 S. Grand Avenue West, Springfield.