Richard Allen Vanskike, 54, of Columbia, Missouri, passed away on March 25, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by his loved ones.

Born on November 3, 1970, to Rance and Martha Vanskike in Mexico, Missouri, Richie was a graduate of Mexico High School, class of 1989, where he enjoyed playing football. Throughout his life, Richie held a variety of jobs, but his most cherished roles were in Sales and Programming at Kwix/Kres in Moberly, and later as the Director of Development at Rainbow House in Columbia. At Rainbow House, Richie found great joy in organizing the annual Rainbow House Golf Classic tournament.

On January 13, 2018, Richie married Jodi Conrad in Columbia, Missouri. Jodi chose a winter wedding, knowing that their anniversary would never conflict with a golf tournament. Those who knew Richie well understood how much he loved the game of golf. He could often be found on the course five nights a week after work, and his favorite weekend of the year was Calcutta Weekend, a two-day golf tournament at The Oaks in Mexico, where he and Jodi were members.

Beyond golfing, Richie was passionate about Mizzou football and eagerly looked forward to the annual away game trips he took with friends. He also enjoyed playing pool, swimming, fishing, and traveling—particularly to New York City, where he had the chance to spend Christmas in 2024 and sit front-row center at a Broadway show.

Richie was known for his larger-than-life personality. He had a special way of telling stories that left everyone laughing until they cried. His presence made any gathering more enjoyable, and his absence will leave an irreplaceable void in the hearts of those who loved him.

Richie was preceded in death by his father, Rance Vanskike, and his grandparents. He is survived by his wife, Jodi; his mother, Martha Vanskike; his sister, Sarah Vanskike, and brother-in-law, Kent Henry, all of Mexico; his in-laws, Cheryl and Homer Allen of Lake Ozark, Ken Conrad and Tamara Thomas of Fulton; his brother- and sister-in-law, Justin and Nancy Conrad, and nephew, Vito Conrad, all of Columbia; his sister-in-law, Alexa Rapier, and niece, Indigo Arcobasso, of Columbia; his brother-in-law, Dave Overfelt, of Jefferson City; and many other family members and friends.

A celebration of Richie's life will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Arnold Funeral Home in Mexico, Missouri.