Richard is my cousin, I loved him like a brother.  I will truly miss our visits and phone calls we have had over the years.  Richard, his brothers, Danny and David, and sister Carol and their families  were frequent visitors of my mother, Loraine Drennen Thomas Phillips, "Aunt Loraine" to them. We would all gather at her farm in Princeton, Mo at least once or twice a year to catch up on the goings on.    I have so many memories of us as we were growing up and the fun we had playing together and later on just visiting and being together was such a joy. All the wonderful food we shared and the love of being a family.  I shall never forget it.  

A  recent memory comes to to mind.  I had the pleasure of attending Richard's Campout in October a couple of years ago.  The campout was in his pasture for many years and was well attended by family and friends simply because it was Richard's way of getting the ones he loved together and it was so much fun.  Recently widowed, I traveled from my home in Jefferson City by myself.  I spent the first night with Richard and Marlene in their home and then pitched my tent with Richard's help on the grounds.  Richard and Marlene worked so hard getting ready for this special event.  A large tree trunk 9-10 foot in length was hollowed out with chainsaws and placed standing upright over fire.  The tree made the most marvalous and beautiful fire for all to sit around and visit.  Everyone brought food, wonderful food which we shared together. All kinds of stories and tales were told around that campfire.  It was cold, down in the forties, but no one complained of being cold.  The next morning that tree was still burning.   I cannot imagine a world without Richard and Marlene, but what wonderful memories and warmth we all have because of them!  We have truly been Blessed.

Ecclesiates 4:9-12 (The Value of a Friend) "Two are better than one, because they have a reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion but woe to him wh is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up.  Again if two lie down together, they will keep warm; but how can one be warm alone?  Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him.  And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.."