Richard Allen McDowell

Richard Allen McDowell, 82, of Littleton, CO (formerly Blue Springs, MO), passed away February 18, 2025, surrounded by family. Richard was born in 1942 in Warrensburg, MO to Helen Louise and James R. McDowell, and was the younger brother of James R. McDowell, Jr. (1940-2015).

Richard’s first high school job at Sweeney-Phillips Funeral Home in Warrensburg ignited his passion for serving the public. After attending Central Missouri State University for two years, Richard pursued his love of mortuary science at the Dallas Institute of Funeral Science, where he graduated in 1963. Shortly thereafter, Richard returned to the Kansas City area and began working for the McGilley Memorial Chapel. Legend has it that among the many Kansas Citians served by McGilley’s during Richard’s time, Harry and Bess Truman were seen on more than one occasion. During this time, Richard also served in the Missouri National Guard where he befriended Tom Edgerton at Fort Leonard Wood. Tom introduced Richard to his childhood friend and neighbor, Beverly Ann Roberts. It was love at first sight for Richard, and he and Beverly were married in 1966 and remained together until his death, 58 years later.

In 1976, Richard acquired his own funeral home in Odessa, Missouri. Richard brought his passion for caring for the public and helping those experiencing grief to his dignified leadership of The Husman-Sparks-McDowell Chapel, which served the community for the next 37 years. Richard was dedicated to serving his community, not only through his funeral home, but also as a member and one-time President of the Odessa Chamber of Commerce. Richard was known around town for going above and beyond for the residents of Odessa, providing care and counsel during the end of life journey, as well as any time someone needed advice or a listening ear. Richard was a proud member of both the Missouri Funeral Director’s Association and the National Funeral Director’s Association.

Throughout his life, Richard loved to laugh, play practical jokes, shine affection on his family, clap his hands to B.B. King, swing Beverly vigorously across the dance floor, and travel lands far and wide. From picnicking at the Acropolis in Greece, to traversing through South America, and dodging the ice cream swiping monkeys of Gibraltar, Richard and Beverly’s adventures through life were varied and robust. Whether taking cooking classes together or gardening, there was an abundance of joy on their journey.

Richard also loved classic cars; his daughters will never forget picking up their friends on Halloween in Hermann, Richard’s vintage 1948 hearse. Nor will his friends forget the time he pretended to be a radio DJ and called to tell them they’d won a 500 lb. drum of ketchup to be delivered the next day. His neighbor will also forever remember when a so-called Officer Robbins called to tell her he’d seen her make a U-turn in downtown Blue Springs, and she needed to immediately turn herself in at the station lest he deliver her ticket at home in front of the neighbors. Richard’s humor and mischievousness bubbled at the surface, and brought joy and hilarity to all who knew him.

Richard was a devoted family man, cherishing time with his loved ones above all else. He was a natural caregiver to his mom, as well as several aunts and uncles. From sneaking Hershey bars to Aunt Dorothy at the nursing home or impromptu lunchtime visits in Uncle Chick’s backyard, Richard’s relatives always knew they were loved. His parenting style ensured his childrens’ senses of humor were as dark as his. Not all parents don a horrific monster mask and zombie-walk after their young daughters through the house, but those who do can be sure their children will view life a little differently. Richard also loved to spin yarns on weekend drives with his family to Warrensburg, and even surprise them with poems he’d written for special occasions. In later years, he developed a close relationship with his son-in-law, Jeremy with whom he loved to trade jokes and brew beer. Richard’s love for his daughters was only matched (some may even say surpassed) by the arrivals of his four grandchildren. Whether discussing the inner workings of a cat’s mind with his only granddaughter, cheering his grandsons on at hockey and basketball, or attending guitar concerts and violin recitals, Richard was a constant presence in his grandchildren’s lives and he delighted in being surrounded by them (except for when they stepped on his big toe.) Richard loved well and was well-loved by his family and friends; he is already greatly missed.

Richard is survived by his wife, Beverly; daughters, Heather and Megan (Jeremy Gibbs); four grandchildren: Maya (11), Emmett (9), Julian (9), and Elliott (6); brother-in-law, Marlin Roberts (Linda), beloved nieces and nephews, and adored cat, Gracie. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother, numerous aunts, uncles and grandparents; and five beautiful, well-loved cats: Junior, Bright Eyes, Smoky, Blizzard, and Pepper.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 27, 2025 at 1:00pm at McGilley State Line Chapel, 12301 State Line Road, Kansas City, MO 64145. Graveside service to follow at Mount Moriah Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wayside Waifs and/or Dumb Friends League.