Richard Warder

Dick died peacefully on July 26, 2026. He was 89 years old, and would tell you that he lived a full and rewarding life.

Dick was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was preceded in death by his brother, Robert. He is survived by his wife and soulmate of over 45 years, Dianne; his brother John (Toni), of Pottsboro, TX; his sister-in-law Joanna Warder, of Hill City, SD; his children Jennifer Migdal (Walt), of Albuquerque, NM; Jeff Warder (Trina), of Columbia, MO; his step-children Kenneth Hendrickson III (Kerrie), of Huntsville, TX, Kirsten Karlsen, of Grapevine, TX, and Robert Hendrickson (Tamara), of Columbia, MO. He is also survived by grandchildren Cameron Warder, Megan Ellis (Mike), Clayton Warder (Natalie), Mackenzie Migdal, and Michael Dennis (Kristan). He has three great-granddaughters; Evelyn, Everly, and Claire.

Dick enjoyed a distinguished academic career, graduating as valedictorian and class president of Murfreesboro High School in 1954, and attending South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. After receiving his Bachelor of Science in 1958, he earned Master and Doctorate degrees from Northwestern University.

In 1968, he joined the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering faculty at the University of Missouri. Over the next 26 years, he was a faculty member, the James C. Dowell Professor, and chairman of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.

In 1994, Dick became the Dean of the College of Engineering at Memphis University, where he served with distinction for 18 years.

As an expert on the accreditation of engineering programs, he had consulting jobs with over 100 national and international schools, and led formal accreditation teams to 16 U.S. and international institutions.

Throughout his life, Dick received many professional honors and awards recognizing his outstanding contributions to the field of engineering, and to the institutions he served.

Sporting activities were a major part of Dick's life. He was a proud football season ticket holder, keeping tickets on Mizzou’s 35-yard line for over 50 years. He also enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, particularly their soccer games. He was a big soccer fan, and was instrumental in establishing the Columbia Soccer Club in the early 70’s. He was also an enthusiastic soccer referee, participating at the high school, college, and professional levels.

Visitation will be Saturday, August 29, from 11:00 to 12:00, followed by a Celebration of Life at 12:00 at Memorial Funeral Home, 1217 Business Loop 70 West in Columbia, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Richard and Dianne Warder Academic Scholarship at either the University of Missouri or the South Dakota School of Mines in Rapid City.