Life Long Collector
 Richard W. Harkrider

STANBERRY, Mo.— Richard W. Harkrider, 68, was born April 29, 1943, the only child of Roy and Georgia (Porch) Harkrider. He lived life to the fullest until his death at home on July 11, 2011. He is survived by his wife, Carol, of the home.

Richard graduated from Stanberry High School in 1961 and joined the Navy in 1962. He was a radio communications specialist involved in covert operations. Following a diving accident which left him paralyzed, Richard recuperated at Hines Veterans Hospital in Chicago, Ill., for three years and eventually returned home to Stanberry.

Richard married Carol Giffin on July 29, 1972 in Guilford, Mo. They moved to the Colorado mountains in 1974 where Richard was a computer specialist for the Department of Interior – Bureau of Land Management. Having had their fill of snow and hoping to spend a year without any, they moved to Scottsdale, Ariz. in 1986. They returned to Missouri in 1987 where Richard worked as a computer specialist for Ford Aerospace. In his later years, Richard continued using his computer expertise to design, develop and maintain websites.

While in Colorado, Richard began a life long love of pottery. He was a nationally recognized expert regarding American Art Pottery. Richard also participated in Regional Veterans Wheelchair Games in Colorado. He was Novice of the Year in 1978 and went on to participate in National Veterans Wheelchair Games in Virginia.

In their travels all over the U.S., Richard never met a stranger and would talk for hours about anything and everything. He was an avid Denver Broncos fan and enjoyed getting a reaction when he wore his Bronco cap. He was hopeful that the 2011-2012 NFL season would actually happen.

Richard was preceded in death by his Father in 1972 and Mother in 2009.

In keeping with his wishes, Richard’s life will be celebrated at their home on Sunday, July 17, starting at 2 p.m. Friends and relatives are invited to come and share memories of Richard. Memorial donations may be given to Hands of Hope Hospice, American Cancer Society and/or donor’s choice in care of Roberson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 153, Stanberry, MO 64489. Online condolences maybe left at www.robersonfuneralhome.com.