Richard Neville Crockett

On August 24, 2021, a much-loved dad, grandpa, and musician played his final chord. Richard “Dick” Crockett passed away at the age of 86 at Villa St. Francis in Olathe, Kansas, and a beautiful gig, with a large and loving ensemble, came to a close.

Dick was preceded in death by his mother, father, younger brother James and wife Jodie. He is survived by one of his three former wives, five of his six children, all 11 of his grandkids, many extended family and friends, and a treasured collection of recordings. He was a smooth guitarist, friend to musicians at all levels, and -- for his kids and grandkids -- a human teddy bear, and loving counselor.

Dick was born September 29, 1934 in Floyd, Texas, the oldest child of Allyne (Bryan) Crockett Turner and Oscar Neville “Boss” Crockett. He attended Denton High School and played music with close friend Jack Peterson, a jazz guitarist who went on to join faculty at the Berklee College of Music and University of North Texas. Dick became active in the late 1960s music scene in Dallas, where his friend group included ZZ Top members Dusty Hill, Frank Beard and Billy Gibbons, to whom he once leant his guitar when they pawned theirs to repair a car to drive to a gig.

Life later took Dickiiee to Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri, where he started the Dick Crockett Band, and recorded three albums, including a collection of Christmas carols on solo guitar that became a holiday favorite for family and friends. He was Founding Director of the Lake Ozarks Jazz Society and the region’s Dixieland Jazz Festival, a professor of classical guitar at Central Methodist College in Fayette, MO, and ran a musician booking company that was the go-to source for gigs in and around the resort area. Dick also shared the stage with artists including Boxcar Willie, Louise Mandrell and Jay McShann.

With his first wife Bettye, Dick had three children: David, Beth and Laura. With his second wife Mary he had one child, Barton. With his third wife Patricia he had two children, Kellye and Bryan.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, October 23 at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Missouri. Visitation 11-12, Service 12-1, Jam Session for the ages 1-3.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you support local music by tipping the musician at your local restaurant, supporting your school music program, and buying the music of a local musician.