Richard Raymond Stites

Richard Raymond Stites, 82, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, passed away on June 25, 2026. Born in East St. Louis, Illinois, on January 16, 1944, Richard was the son of Ray Edward and Jessie Russell Stites. His life was marked by steady faith, a dependable honesty, and a quiet resilience that carried him through each season with dignity, warmth, and a well-timed sense of humor.

Richard spent part of his childhood on a farm in central Missouri, where he hunted with his grandfather Russell and attended a one-room schoolhouse in Bland, Missouri. Those early years held the kind of simple, vivid details that stayed with him—like “Foxy girl,” the pet fox his grandfather saved from drowning. As he grew older, he moved back to St. Louis and graduated from Beaumont High School in June 1961. He attended Washington University for one year (1961–1962), pursuing an Art Degree, before enlisting in the United States Army.

Richard served in the U.S. Army from February 1963 to February 1966, including service in Germany, and was discharged as SP4 E4. After his military service, he partnered in a photography business in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He later earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design from the Layton School of Art in Milwaukee in 1970. In 1972, he moved to Colorado Springs with his wife who was pregnant with their firstborn child, beginning a long chapter of work and family life rooted in commitment and care.

In Colorado Springs, Richard worked in interior design and sold office furniture for the first few years. He then founded his business, “Restored Images,” working from home to restore damaged black-and-white photographs for private customers. He also provided photography services for the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, including murals, until retiring in the early 2000s. His work reflected both skill and integrity—carefully done, thoughtfully delivered, and trusted by those who knew him.

Richard met Marilyn Ann Mertens in 1963 in St. Louis, Missouri, when he offered her a ride to church along with other nursing students. They were married on May 27, 1967, in Union, Missouri, and celebrated their 59th anniversary on May 27, 2026. Together they built a family and a home shaped by devotion, steadiness, and the kind of compassion that shows up in everyday ways.

He is survived by his wife, Marilyn; daughters Lara Rae (Brendon Morris), Brenda Denise (David Jenkins), and Tricia Lynn (Jon Best); granddaughters Isabel Morris and Ashlyn Morris; and grandsons Jesse Jenkins, Jonah Jenkins, Gavin Best, Jacob Jenkins, and Evan Best. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Jessie Stites; his sister, Ellie Swanger (husband John Swanger); and his son, Nolan Edward, who died on August 29, 2000.

A lifelong artist and craftsman, Richard expressed his creativity through drawing, painting, airbrushing, photography, woodcarving, and flintknapping. He built furniture, made guns, and worked in metal—hands-on pursuits that suited his patient, capable nature. He also loved the outdoors as a hunter and fisherman, and he embraced life as a camper and backpacker. A history enthusiast with a particular interest in the Civil War and World War II, he carried a deep appreciation for the past and the lessons it offers. Known as a mountain man and cannoneer, he also carried a story that never failed to bring a smile: he earned the nickname “Singe” after using cedar bark in a bird’s nest while starting a fire with flint and steel—an enthusiastic spark that exploded and burned his beard, mustache, eyebrows, and hat. After that, Singe remained the name many remembered, and it suited the way he could bring lightness to a moment without ever losing his grounded character.

In community life, Richard was a member of Vista Grande Baptist Church in Colorado Springs and an inactive ordained deacon. His Christian faith shaped his steady presence and the trustworthy way he related to others. He was a charter member of the Colorado Springs Muzzle Loaders since 1973 and served as Cannon Master. He was also a member of American Legion Post 209.

Richard’s compassion found meaningful purpose in service to others: he was a facilitator for Heartbeat at Ft. Carson, supporting people affected by suicide, and he served as a TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors) peer mentor to military families impacted by suicide. He also supported soldiers through GIGS (GI Grannies/Gramps for Soldier Support), helping deliver birthday cakes and attending functions and meetings. In these roles, he helped reform military protocol and the viewing of mental illness in the military to support soldiers’ needs—work that reflected both courage and care, carried out with sincerity and respect. Those who knew him also knew his gift for forming and maintaining quality friendships, and for listening when someone needed to talk.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Vista Grande Baptist Church, 5680 Stetson Hills Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80917, at 10 AM on August 8, 2026 with lunch to follow and a chance to share a memory or story of Richard.

Live stream service available on VGBC website on day of service

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

1) Heartbeat (checks paid to: Heartbeat), mailed to 4410 Settlement Way, Colorado Springs, CO. To pay via Venmo or Paypal, visit https://www.heartbeatsurvivorsaftersuicide.org/donate.

2) Parkinson’s Foundation: https://www.parkinson.org.