Richard Samuels

Richard Samuels, 78, of Columbia, Missouri, passed away on Monday, August 31, 2026, at the Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital in Columbia, Missouri. Richard was born August 3, 1948, in Boone County, Missouri, to Henry and Dorothy (Zumwalt) Samuels.

Richard proudly served his country in the United States Army. He enlisted on July 8, 1969, and served during the Vietnam War as an 11B20 Light Weapons Infantryman. During his service, Richard earned numerous military honors and decorations, including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Army Commendation Medal, and Marksman and Expert qualifications for various weapons, including the M14 rifle, M16 rifle, M60 machine gun, and grenade. He received his honorable discharge on July 30, 1971.

On March 5, 1976, Richard married the love of his life, Carol Gaines, in Columbia, Missouri. Together, they built a life and raised two daughters, Sara Beth and Andrea Lynn.

Richard was truly a jack-of-all-trades and was never afraid to work hard or learn something new. Throughout his career, he worked as a mason and became an expert floor layer before eventually retiring from the HVAC industry. He took pride in his work and was the kind of man who could fix, build, or figure out just about anything.

In his younger years, Richard loved spending time outdoors. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed hunting quail, pheasant, and deer. He also loved riding his motorcycle, listening to music—especially Lynyrd Skynyrd—and cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs. But above all else, Richard loved his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend who cherished the time he spent with those he loved.

Richard is survived by his beloved wife, Carol Samuels of Columbia, Missouri; his two daughters, Sara Beth Nielsen and her husband, Neil, of Alabama, and Andrea Lynn Samuels and her husband, Lucio Sirotti, of Italy; four grandchildren, Ryker, Rylie, Sebastian, and Nicholas; his sister, Linda Glascock of Columbia; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Dorothy Samuels; his brother, Grover; and his sister, Jeania.

Family and friends are invited to gather and share words of comfort and support during visitation from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, September 3, 2026, at Memorial Funeral Home. Funeral services honoring and celebrating Richard's life will be held at 12:00 p.m. Friday, September 4, 2026, at Memorial Funeral Home. Committal prayers, military honors, and burial will follow at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Jacksonville, Missouri.