Obituary of Merle C. Richmond

Merle C. “Turk” Richmond, Jr., 90-year-old resident of Doniphan, MO departed this life Wednesday, October 2, 2019 at Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau, MO. Merle was born April 21, 1929 in Doniphan to the late Merle C. and Helen Hubbard Richmond.

Mr. Richmond graduated from Southeast Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education and started his teaching career in Sikeston, MO. He also taught in University City. Merle went to Greely, CO to finish his Masters Degree and then came back to University City. He then taught in Festus before coming to Doniphan, where he retired from teaching in 1991, celebrating 35 years in the education field.

Mr. Richmond served in World War II and the Korean War as a Navy Gunners Mate. “Turk”, as he was known in the Doniphan Community, was a life member of the American Industrial Arts Association and was also a life member of the VFW. He was a member of Disabled American Veterans, Missouri Teachers Association, and Ripley County Retired Teachers Association. Mr. Richmond was affiliated with the Masons. He served as a work coordinator for Youth Conservation Corp and was a counselor at Bay Nothing and Camp Taum Sauk. He enjoyed fishing and hunting. Mr. Richmond was a member of Doniphan First Baptist Church.

In October, 1955, Mr. Richmond married Birdie Little who preceded him in death on January 3, 1982. He later married Idabelle Dowd on February 14, 1986. She also preceded him in death on September 30, 2006.

Merle is survived by his children, Rhonda (Barry) Brittain of Doniphan, Brenda Kay Payno of Jonesboro, AR, Jo Linda (Steve) Murray of Farmington, MO, and Yuvonda Rae (Gary) Carner of Ellsinore, MO; stepchildren, Janet (Bill) Ebersole of Poplar Bluff, MO and Ken Dowd of Cape Girardeau, MO; 10 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Richmond was also preceded in death by four sisters and one brother.

Visitation for Mr. Richmond will be at noon on Saturday, October 5, 2019 with the funeral service to follow at 2:00 p.m. Burial will be in the Doniphan City Cemetery. Pastor Robbie Calvert will be officiating.