Richard Joseph Kern, of Freeburg, was born on November 20, 1941, at Jefferson City, a son of Joseph Leo and Adeline Mary (Bauer) Kern, and departed this life at 3:02 a.m., on Thursday, January 5, 2017, in SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital, Jefferson City. He had attained the age of 75 years, 1 month, and 15 days.

Richard was a member of the Holy Family Catholic Church, Freeburg, and had served, along with others, as a Sacristan for the parish for many years. During his working life, he had been employed by Knollmeyer, Inc. as a truck driver, and in 1987, he became a truck driver for the Osage County Road Department until his retirement in 1995. At a younger age and in better health, Richard enjoyed riding his motorcycle, hunting, and fishing.

Those left to mourn the passing of Richard include: His sister, Marie Kern, of Freeburg; cousins and best friends, Mike and Suzanne Bauer, Barbara Bauer, and Mildred Bauer, all of Freeburg; Mike and Suzanne's daughters and grandchildren, Heather and Les Hutchison of Freeburg, Connie Bauer of Linn, Tracy and Michael Murphy of Ashland, and Jaclyn, Christina, Dallas, and Ty; his beloved German Shepherd Dog, Hannah; and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph, on August 29, 1993; his mother, Adeline, on April 29, 1966; and an infant brother.