Richard Kent Akinson 86, of Archie, MO, passed away on Monday, May 1, 2023 at Golden Years in Harrisonville, MO. Funeral services were held Friday, May 5, 2023 at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville, MO. Burial, with miliary honors, in Crescent Hill Cemetery, Adrian, MO. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Western Missouri Antique Tractor & Machinery Association.

Richard was born on July 5, 1936 to Clyde and Frances "Allene" (Noell) Atkinson in Archie, MO. Richard attended Archie High School and graduated in 1954. He proudly served in the U.S. Army as a PFC and was stationed in Germany. Richard was married to Carole (Groll) Atkinson on September 21, 1963 by Rev. Clarence Bates at the First Baptist Church of Archie, and to this union was born two children.

Richard spent his life working many jobs. He was a foreman at American Alloys from 1957-1959, and after returning from the Army, went back to work for American Alloys until the plant closed in 1970. H e then worked for S&G Metals as a supervisor until that plant closed in 1981. He was then employed by Remington Arms – Lake City Army Ammunition Plant until retiring in 2000. In 1976, Richard and Carole became the managers of Archie Senior Housing, serving in that role for 25 years. Later in life, he enjoyed being the custodian at Archie School. Richard was a member of the Archie First Baptist Church where he served in numerous capacities, and was ordained as a Deacon in 1988.

Richard's greatest loves were farming, tending to his cattle and his donkey, Floyd, and mowing everything in sight. He loved tractor shows and driving in parades, passing out candy to kids. He had a great love for Roy Acuff songs. His best advice to his children and grandchildren was to "Use sound judgment", a piece of advice that was rarely listened to. He truly believed that Merthiolate was a wonder drug and couldn't wait to dab it on ANY wound. Richard enjoyed being outside every day and always found inventive ways to fix things.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, and his beloved wife, Carole. He is survived by his children and their spouses: Kendall Atkinson (Anissa), Archie, MO; and Andrea Holthaus (Chris), St. Louis, MO; grandchildren: Dakota and Cheyene Atkinson, Tyler, Madison and Jacob Holthaus; great-grandchild, Everlyn Stevens; sister, Doretta Flanary (Thurman); and grand-dogs, Archie and Rookie.