Richard Henry “Dick” Yazel

Richard Henry “Dick” Yazel, 87, Nevada, Mo., passed away on Monday, Jan. 28, at his home in Nevada following a lengthy illness. Richard was born Dec. 13, 1931, in Harrisonville, Mo., to George A. and Neomi Ruth (Wiggington) Yazel. On Oct. 10, 1980, he was united in marriage to Marilyn A. (Foster) Bowles, in Nevada, and she survives of the home.

Richard was born in Harrisonville, Mo., and raised in the Freeman, Mo., area. He came to Nevada with his family at the age of 15. Following in his father’s footsteps, he began working at Newton Burial Park in Nevada in addition to opening and closing graves throughout Vernon County. He retired as sexton from Newton Burial Park in 2014 following 60 years of employment. Richard enjoyed camping and fishing, going to Silver Dollar City, and traveling in the Ozarks. He attended the First Christian Church in Nevada.

In addition to his wife, Marilyn, he is survived by his children, Donna Smith and her husband, Bill, Otterville, Mo., Richard J. Yazel and his wife, Marilyn, Enid, Okla., Debbie Jenkins and her husband, Sam, Mound City, Kan., Rhonda Harris and her husband, Steve, Milo, Mo., Justin Bowles and his wife, Jodi, Carthage, and Monique Danley, Kenai, Ala.; nine grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; one brother, Milton (Junior) Yazel, Miami, Okla.; one sister, Helen Wood, Walker, Mo.; sister-in-law, Anne Yazel, Nevada; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Gerald Yazel and Lowell Yazel; grandson, Christopher Harris; and an infant granddaughter, April Jenkins.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 30, at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada with Pastor David Rorabaugh officiating. Interment will follow in Newton Burial Park in Nevada. Friends may call for viewing from noon to 7 p.m., Tuesday, at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to Hospice Compassus of Lamar in care of Ferry Funeral Home.

View obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com.