Richard Ray Gish, 87, of Mexico, passed away on Monday, February 24, 2025, at Boone Hospital Center in Columbia.

Visitation is from 1-3 p.m. on Friday, February 28, at Arnold Funeral Home. Funeral Services will follow at 3 p.m. Private Family Entombment will be at the East Lawn Memorial Park Columbariums.

Richard was born on November 19, 1937, in Mexico, the son of Chester Charles and Mabel Idel (Hale) Gish. On March 3, 1956, in Mexico, he married Margaret Lee Harlow.

Richard spent a few years working at the Coke Plant before dedicating 46 years to Kaiser Refractories, where he eventually retired. A passionate sports enthusiast, Richard loved golfing and playing baseball, which he did until the age of 78. He had also played in the Falstaff League for many years. Even during his winters in Texas, he stayed active, playing ball. His final at-bat was a grand slam, and despite blowing out his knee rounding second base, he made it safely to home plate.

In addition to sports, Richard had a deep love for woodworking and dancing. He enjoyed teaching country line dancing and square dancing. A devoted St. Louis Cardinals fan, Richard took great joy in watching his children and grandchildren play sports, always cheering the loudest from the sidelines.

Survivors include his wife, Margaret Gish of the home; three children, Vicky (Robert) Hoover of Mexico, Terry (Kevin) Davenport of Benton City, and Rick (Marlene) Gish of Mexico; nine grandchildren, Shana (Clint) House, Brian (Erika) Gish, Alesha (Andy) Ludovicy, Nikki (Matt) Grice, Garrett (Renee) Gish, Mitchell Gish, Lucas (Diana) Chaney, Caleb (Josie) Chaney, and Doug (Tazshia) Davenport; one granddaughter-in-law, Heidi Boswell; 27 great-grandchildren, Colby (Irene) Boswell, Nathan Boswell, Brandon Boswell, Paislee House, Paityn House, Giovanna Starman, Gabriella Starman, Giulianna Starman, Brittany (Jacob) Dale, Hillary (Dayton) Hudson, Gage Smith, Katelyn (Bayley) Brandt, Tylor (Krystal) Marshall, Alexis Marshall, Gavin Marshall, Nolan Grice, Lane (Juliana) Grice, Braxton Gish, Maddison Gish, Sarah Gish, Charley Jo Gish, Lincoln Gish, River Chaney, Olin Chaney, Emmett Chaney, Owen Chaney, Macklin Davenport, and Jaxon Ludovicy; 15 great-great-grandchildren, Isla House, Ezlynn House, Camerin Dale, Jayden Dale, Gracelynn Dale, Daniel Hudson, Bailey Hudson, Chelsea Hudson, Noah Hudson, Asher Hudson, Jace Smith, Liam Smith, Blayne Brandt, Amara Marshall, and Oakley Marshall; and one sister, Ruth Ann Phillips.

Richard was preceded in death by one daughter, Cindy Gish; one grandson, Chad Boswell; one great-great-grandson, Abel Dale; two sons-in-law, Thomas Wayne Walters and Phil Boswell; and three brothers, Charles Gish Jr., Donnie Gish and Wilbur Gish.

Memorial donations may be made to the Arthur Hills Golf Course or the Mexico Senior Center. Both may be sent in care of Arnold Funeral Home, 425 S. Jefferson Street, Mexico, Missouri 65265.