Click here to view livestream

Richard Neil Hettinger, age 81, passed away peacefully at his home on September 20, 2024 in rural Philadelphia, MO. Born on April 25, 1943 to William and Mabel House Hettinger in rural Edina, MO.   Richard lived a life full of love, laughter, and dedication to his passions.

Richard graduated from Edina Public School in 1961.  On May 5, 1962, he married his high school sweetheart, Ruth Klote, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Edina, Missouri.  Together, they built a life rich in family, faith, and community.

A lifelong farmer, Richard also worked for Electric Wheel in Quincy, Illinois, and later for the Marion County PWSD in Philadelphia, Missouri. He also owned and managed rental properties in Kirksville and Monroe City. He was a devoted member of the First Christian Church in Edina.

Richard was an avid collector of all things, with a particular fondness for Aladdin lamps, Sad irons & trivets, and Enterprise iron products. He was a proud member of the National Association of Aladdin Lamp Collectors. Known for his "gift of gab," Richard had a sense of humor that never failed to entertain. He was known for his practical jokes and unique nicknames for nearly everyone he met. One of his greatest joys was restoring non-working equipment. He loved traveling and frequently visited Branson, MO to enjoy the shows.

Richard is survived by his wife, Ruth, of 62 years and his loving children: Tammi (Don) Kettenbach of Jerseyville, IL; Russell (Teresa) Hettinger of Philadelphia, MO; Richelle (Gale) Behring of Hunnewell, MO; and Randell (Lauren) Hettinger of Timewell, IL. He also leaves behind his bonus son, Rodney (Carol) Miller of Palmyra, MO.

His legacy continues through his grandchildren: Leah (Joe) Hirner of Rock Port, MO; Paul (Caitlin) Kettenbach of St. Louis, MO; Reann (Tyler) Redd of Palmyra, MO; Matthew (Katie) Kettenbach of Troy, MO; Megan Behring (Jared Knipfel) of Columbia, MO; Randy (Tabitha) Hettinger of LaPlata, MO; Amy (Andy) Sutcliffe of Freeman, MO; Kim (Drew) Davis of Bunceton, MO; Risa (David) Porter of Palmyra, MO; Adair Behring of Hunnewell, MO; and Lance Hettinger of Palmyra, MO.  He is also survived by his step-grandson, Parker Seckman of Timewell; granddaughter in-law, Amber Hettinger of Camano Island, WA; and 15 great-grandchildren.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, William and Mabel Hettinger; his in-laws, Glenn and Olive Klote; his sister, Terri Flynn; and his grandson, Logan Hettinger.

Pallbearers for the service will be Paul Kettenbach, Matthew Kettenbach, Tyler Redd, David Porter, Andy Sutcliffe, and Adair Behring. Honorary pallbearers include Joe Hirner, Lance Hettinger, Randy Hettinger, Drew Davis, Ronnie McCauley, Keith Strange, Rick Yoakum, Glen Goodwin, and Bryson Applegate.

Richard's family invites friends and loved ones to join them in celebrating his remarkable life and the many ways he touched those around him with a visitation at Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home on Thursday, September 26th from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.  A Celebration of Life will be held at Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home on Friday, September 27th at 10:00 am, with Pastor Paul Harvey officiating.  Following services, the burial will be held at the St. Joseph Cemetery in Edina, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Edina Christian Church or St. Joseph Cemetery.