Richard Ray Schremp, 69, of Mexico, Missouri, passed away on Saturday, October 17, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of love, laughter, cherished memories, and a legacy that will live on through his family and the countless lives he touched.

Richard was born on July 30, 1957, at Audrain Medical Center in Mexico, Missouri, to Homer and Edith Schremp. He graduated from Mexico Senior High School in 1975.

Richard began his career working alongside his father, Homer, in the family electrical and HVAC business, Schremp Electric. Following his father’s passing in 1992, Richard proudly took over the family business, owning and operating it until 2008. He also dedicated many years to teaching the next generation of electricians as an apprenticeship instructor for IBEW Local 257.

Richard completed a four-year IBEW Local 257 apprenticeship, received specialized training in refrigeration, heating, and air conditioning through Copeland, and attended apprenticeship training classes at the University of Tennessee. He was proud of his trade, his accomplishments, and the opportunity to pass his knowledge on to others.

Among his many achievements, Richard served as a Missouri conservation safety instructor and earned a distinguished Silver Star for saxophone with the Little Dixie Grey Band, an honor achieved by few members.

In 1973, Richard met the love of his life, Terri. The two were married on June 11, 1976, and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2026. Together, they built a life centered around family, love, hard work, and countless memories.

Above all else, Richard was a devoted husband, an extraordinary father, and a loving grandfather. His family was his greatest accomplishment and his proudest joy. He made it a priority to be there for his children and grandchildren, celebrating their accomplishments, attending their activities, and offering a helping hand whenever he was needed.

Richard never knew a stranger. He could strike up a conversation with just about anyone and, given the opportunity, talk their ear off. His gift for conversation made him many friends over the years.

He had a wonderful sense of humor, a larger-than-life personality, and a remarkable ability to make people feel welcome. His nieces and nephews will fondly remember his long-running joke about being “from the reservation,” a story he continued telling well into their adulthood.

Richard loved the water and began water-skiing by the age of two. Throughout his life, he enjoyed boating, water-skiing, scuba diving, hunting, fishing, camping, and spending time outdoors. The Lake of the Ozarks held a particularly special place in his heart, especially what he affectionately called its “magical green water.”

He could find happiness in life’s simplest pleasures, whether mowing his yard, spending a day on the lake, enjoying a good meal, or being surrounded by the people he loved most. Richard believed life was meant to be lived, not merely watched from the sidelines. He made memories, took adventures, and embraced opportunities to enjoy the life he had been given.

Richard was also deeply committed to serving his community. He was a member of the Moolah Shrine, the Little Dixie Shrine Club of Mexico, and the Tiger Shrine Club of Columbia. He served as president of the Little Dixie Shrine Club in 1998 and as its secretary for many years. He was also involved with the Little Dixie Motor Patrol and Tiger Clowns. He served as Master of Hebron Masonic Lodge No. 354 in both 1985 and 2018.

He coached Mexico Youth Optimist baseball for his children, supported Ducks Unlimited, and faithfully served his Presbyterian church as a deacon and head of building and grounds. Richard gave generously of his time and talents, never needing recognition for doing what he believed was right.

Throughout his life, Richard valued friendship and loyalty. His best friend, Robbie Hodges, was far more than a friend; he was a brother by choice. Their friendship endured through the years, strengthened by shared memories, laughter, and an unwavering bond.

Richard was many things to many people: a husband, a father, a grandfather, a brother, an uncle, a friend, a mentor, and a neighbor. But perhaps the greatest measure of his life was not what he accomplished, but how deeply he loved and how completely he lived.

His life was a reminder to take the vacation, enjoy the meal, spend time with family, laugh a little louder, and make the memories while there is still time.

Richard is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Terri; his children, Katherine Schremp and Brian (Christine) Schremp; his five grandchildren, Nolan Reeves, Maggie Reeves, Richard Kael Reeves, Addie Schremp, and Haley Schremp; and his sister, Karen Schremp Jung.

He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Richard Ray Schremp II; his parents, Homer and Edith Schremp; his grandparents, Strode and Wanda Edwards and George and Annie Schremp; and his in-laws, Juanita and Lucian Bird.

His family will forever remember the sound of his laughter, the strength of his embrace, the wisdom of his words, and the comfort of knowing that, no matter what life brought their way, Dad was always there.

He was an extraordinary man, and being loved by him was an extraordinary gift.

Funeral services will be updated and displayed on the night of Monday, October 19.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, October 21, from 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Arnold Funeral Home.

The family requests memorial donations be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital, Mid – Missouri Food Bank or Autism Speaks. Memorials may be sent in care of Arnold Funeral Home, 425 S. Jefferson, Mexico, MO 65265.

Online condolences may be left at www.arnoldfh.com.