Richard "Dick" Frederick Keezer passed away at his residence in Neosho, Missouri on January 13, 2026, at the age of 99 years, 1 month, and 2 days.  He was born on December 11, 1926, in Harrington, Maine, where he grew up.

Richard was a graduate of Haverhill High School, and later attended Sanborn Seminary in Kingston, New Hampshire.

His father owned a funeral home where he worked as a child.  He also worked in the Keezer family sports memorabilia business to help when his father got older.  He proudly served his country in the United States Navy as an Ordinary Seaman, Deckhand, and Wharf Attendant, until his honorable discharge when he contracted rheumatic fever.  Richard was patriotic and was proud to be a World War 2 Veteran.

Richard worked for a time at KODE TV in Joplin, Missouri, and later KBTN Radio in Neosho, Missouri.  He served as the editor for the Silver Enquirer, a local publication provided by the Area Agency on Aging.  Having served several years as Editor, he retired in March of 1991.  He later became a self-employed videographer at Island Park Video.

Richard gave generously of his time and talents.  He was a faithful, long-time member of First Lutheran Church in Neosho, Missouri, where he played piano.  He was an active member of American Legion Post 163 in Neosho, Missouri, volunteered at Faithful Friends for several years, proudly served as a board member for the Older Adults Transportation Services, played piano for the Widow to Widow group and at local nursing homes where he had a weekly route so he could bless multiple locations with his music.

Richard was honored for his service, dedication, and achievements on multiple occasions over his 99-year lifespan and it would be impossible to list them all, however, there are a couple that would be a shame not to mention.  He was bestowed the title "Neosho Citizen of the Year" and received the "Book of Golden Deeds" award in 2012 from the National Exchange Club.

He loved God, people, music, and his country, with a special fondness for the United States Navy.  When he was not working or volunteering, he enjoyed participating as a play actor for Joplin Little Theater productions. He performed at Big Spring Park and played a key role as both an actor and pianist for the Silver Follies at Crowder College.  He also wrote articles for the Neosho Daily News.

Richard is survived by his son, Rick Keezer and wife, Deborah of Neosho, Missouri; three grandchildren: James Keezer and wife, Kelly of Neosho, Missouri, Shelley Keezer of Joplin, Missouri, and Robert Keezer of Springfield, Missouri; four great-grandchildren: Elijah  (Rhiannon) Keezer, Isaiah Keezer, Josiah Keezer, and Grace Keezer; four nephews: Burton Pecukonis, Bret Pecukonis, Quintin Pecukonis, and Chris Pecukonis.

He was preceded in death by his parents Carter Dimond and Dorothy Mae (Patriquin) Keezer, one brother, Carter Keezer, one sister, Joan Russell, daughter, Vickie Kay Keezer, and nephew Jason Pecukonis.

Visitation will be held at 3:00pm at First Lutheran Church in Neosho, Missouri on Thursday, January 22, 2026. Funeral Services will immediately follow at 4:00pm, also at First Lutheran Church.  Richard will receive Full Military Honors for his service in the United States Navy.  Honors will be performed by Missouri Military Honors Program.

Memorial Contributions may be made to First Lutheran Church c/o Clark Funeral Home P.O. Box 66 Neosho, Missouri 64850.

Services are under the personal care and direction of Clark Funeral Homes.