Richard David DeSpain

Richard David DeSpain, 78, Nevada, passed away on Wednesday, April 21, 2010, at St. John's Regional Medical Center in Joplin, Mo., following a lengthy illness.

He was born Sept. 19, 1931, in St. Joseph, Mo., to David Lewis DeSpain and Reva Seyble DeSpain. He married Marjorie Key on Jan. 1, 1951, in Troy, Kan., and she survives of the home.

Richard was born and raised in St. Joseph, and spent most of his adult life there. He made his living as an auto mechanic. He has resided in Nevada the past 17 years. Richard loved to go camping and shop at flea markets.

Survivors in addition to his wife include three sons, Richard DeSpain, Nevada, Fred DeSpain, St. Joseph, and Doug DeSpain, Nevada; two daughters, Debra DeSpain, and Connie Melendez, both of Austin, Texas; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; one brother, David DeSpain, St. Joseph, and one sister, Audrey Colwell, St. Joseph. He was preceded in death by his parents and one son, Jack DeSpain.

Graveside services will be held at 1:30 p.m., on Saturday, April 24, at Ashland Cemetery, St. Joseph. Friends may call now and until the hour of service and the family receives friends 6-7 p.m., on Friday evening, April 23, at Ferry Funeral Home 301 S. Washington, Nevada.

View obituary and send condolences on line at www.ferryfuneralhome.com.