Richard Henry Wolverton

Richard Henry Wolverton March 1935 – February 17, 2020 Richard Wolverton of Jacksonville, MO passed away Sunday, February 16th surrounded by his family. Richard was born on March 20th, 1935 to Richard Adrian Wolverton and Dolly Marie Samples in Oswego Kansas. Richard was their oldest son, a daughter Barbara and a son Dean. Richard, his sister, and brother were raised in a small rural township in Montana Kansas. Richards's mom and dad were stern and instilled a strong work ethic in their children, Richard carried through his life. Even though Richard had work to do, he never failed in being involved in a good clean county boy scheme. He recruited several of his cousins living around Montana to take part in his ventures. They were known to have snagged pies that were sitting to cool in schoolroom windows, meant to be for the gathering later that night. Richard was in his early teens when he began taking jobs in the summer going to western Kansas for harvesting. A local farmer near Montana, Harvey Cook hired Richard to go harvesting for him. Including various jobs on their farm as well to drive Harvey and his wife Minnie around the country on vacations. And that began Richards's love for traveling. Richards's childhood friend Merle Jones, would go on trips with Richard in no certain direction decided till they were well on the road. When they were a little low on funds, they would stop to work to get enough money to move on. When Richard was in his late teens, he convinced Merle to join the Armed Forces with him. Merle took the Army and went to Florida and Richard selected the Air Force, stationed at Chennault Air Base near Lakes Charles LA. On one of his evenings off, he went to town with several friends to a local burger drive-in for dinner. It’s also where he caught sight of a cute girl and before he could ask her if she would like to have a burger together, she took off with another fellow. Which meant he had to go back the next evening to get a chance at the young college student, Ethel Dawsey. From that night it took Richard two months and two days to get Ethel to marry him. They began their family right away with a daughter Debbie, 18 teen months later Gail joined the family and 3 1/2 years came their youngest daughter Cindy. Richard moved his family back to Montana Kansas to be near his father whose health was failing. Richard worked in the P&M Coal mines in South East Kansas for several years until the mine closed. He went to work at the Nemo Coal mines in the Moberly MO area and bought a few acres of land in the country and moved his family. Richard loved animals and there were always pets, wild and tame, around his home and is a trait he passed to his children. Richard loved Bar-B-Qing and having friends over for an evening of good food, good friends and plenty of good laughter. When Richard retired, he took up woodworking, clock making, and numerous other hobbies. He and Ethel traveled to different states looking at the wonders of each but was always too glad to return back to his home. Ethel was raised in the church and in their later life, she convinced Richard to go to church with her. In 2004 Richard and Ethel accepted Jesus as their savior and was Baptized in his name. Richard was known for his generosity, honesty, love of animals and endless laughter and a good sense of humor. He well respected by everyone that came to know him. He will be truly missed by his family and friends. Richard is preceded in death by his parents Richard & Marie Wolverton, brother Dean Wolverton and sister Barbara Hopkins, and two infant grandchildren. He is also preceded in death by his childhood friend Merle Jones. He is survived by his wife Ethel, and his daughters, Debbie Wolverton, Gail McGarrah and Cindy Andrews. His grandchildren: Laythan Cloke, Dawna Layfield, Emily Grey, Amanda Harris and Adrian Andrews, His great-grandchildren: Jordan and Landon Layfield, Nikolas and Karli Grey, Wesley and Ava Harris and Emma Cloke. And his life long friends Dean and Betty Cares. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Richard Henry Wolverton please visit our Sympathy Store.