Richard Price

Richard David Price, 89, passed from this life January 1, 2014, at his home in Independence, Missouri, surrounded by loved ones. Richard was born February 28, 1924, in Boise, Idaho, to Chauncey Atlee Price and Arlie Luella (Abercrombie) Price. At age twelve he was baptized into the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (RLDS) at Hagerman, Idaho, where his family then lived. He graduated from Hagerman High School, and studied at the Church’s Graceland College in Lamoni, Iowa for two years where he received an Associates of Arts Degree. Richard’s studies then took him to Central Missouri State College, Warrensburg, Missouri, where he earned Bachelor Degrees in Education in l948, and in Political Science in 1950. He married Pamela Kirksey Davis on July 6, 1948, and they enjoyed over sixty-five years of marriage. Richard taught high school for a year in Idaho, and a year in Washington. In 1950 the family moved to Independence, Missouri, after which he worked as a Quality Inspector for the Atomic Energy Division of the Bendix Corporation in Kansas City where he was employed for thirty-four years until retiring in 1985. Through the years, Richard found time to volunteer to serve the RLDS Church in many capacities--first as a Priest, and later as an Elder. He helped build two church buildings, serving as Pastor at one, and at the other as Preacher, Missionary Coordinator, Sunday school teacher, Boy Scout and Youth leader and Home-Visitation Minister. He also served as History Site Photographer and Tour Coordinator, Conference Host and Delegate, and as a Guide at the RLDS Auditorium. As a minister he performed dozens of baptisms and wedding ceremonies, and also served as a Chaplain in the United States Air Force Auxiliary--Civil Air Patrol--where he held the officer rank of Captain. He was a member of the Glendale Restoration Branch in Independence, where he served as an Elder. Richard helped found Restoration Voice Christian magazine in 1978, serving as an editor until 2001. In 1984 he expanded his ministerial efforts by founding Price Publishing Company and the Restoration Bookstore in Independence, Missouri. And in 1989 he continued in Gospel outreach by founding Vision magazine. While so engaged, Mr. Price authored five books and scores of religious articles and pamphlets; one of which resulted in the planting of hundreds of new church branches worldwide that promote the original RLDS Church message. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Donna Lou Price Vaughn, and brothers Max Erwin Price and Norman Earl Player. He is survived by his wife, Pamela, of the home; his children: Amelia Fay Price Villers and husband, James Ronald of Lee's Summit, Missouri; Lila Rae Price Costa, and husband, Albert Costa, Jr., of Forney, Texas; and David Mark Price and wife, Charlene (Charney) of Newton, Kansas. He also leaves six grandchildren: David Villers and wife, Sarah, of West Plaines, Missouri; Matthew Price and wife, Joanna of Wichita, Kansas; Dustin Price of Wichita, Kansas; Victoria Price of Wichita, Kansas; Norman Kaleimamahu and wife Ashley of Forney, Texas; and Keenan Costa of Forney Texas. Richard is also survived by four great-grandchildren: Kayson Kaleimamahu, Alivia Kaleimamahu, Kaydence Pentland, and Minnie Marie Villers. He also leaves many other relatives and friends. The family wishes to extend a special thanks to the Caregivers from Crossroads Hospice of Kansas City. The family will greet friends Friday, January 10, 2014 from 6 to 8 PM at Speaks Suburban Chapel at 18020 E 39th Street in Independence. The funeral will be 10am Saturday, January 11, 2014 at the chapel. Burial will immediately follow at Mound Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Price Publishing Company, 915 E 23rd St, Independence, MO 64055. Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel (816) 373-3600)