Richard H. Burress
1946-2018

Platte City, Missouri- Richard Howard Burress, 72, Platte City, Missouri passed away on September 16, 2018 at his home surrounded by love.
Richard was born on August 25, 1946 in Trenton, Missouri to Howard Lester and Violet Lee (Bassett) Burress.
On August 31, 1968, Richard married Diann McFee in Nowata, Oklahoma. She preceded him in death on December 13, 2017.
Richard was also preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Tommy Burress.
He was a Veteran of the United States Navy on the U.S.S. WASP and was a distinguished member of the Exalted Order of the MITROGS and the Exalted Order of the GREX, participating in the recovering of the GEMINI GTA-9.
Richard worked as a Plant Manager for Aileen Quirk and Son, before retiring.
Richard was an avid fisherman and golfer. He was adventurous and enjoyed traveling around the country with his wife Diann and their friends. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and building things together in his workshop. He was always tinkering. Richard was a very compassionate and caring person, willing to jump in and help out others without being asked. Richard also enjoyed BBQ and loved introducing people to new places he discovered. There isn’t a BBQ joint in KC that he didn’t try.
After his diagnosis of Glioblastoma Multiform in November 2017, he never lost hope. “Every day is a gift,” he would say, and he made the most of each one. He reminded us of the true importance of family, loving one another and making the most of every moment. We will miss his laughter, sense of adventure, love of life, fresh perspective and his ability to fix anything.
Richard is survived by his daughter, Trish (David) Cross, Gladstone, MO; grandchildren, Gavin and Fiona Cross; sister, Diana Nichols, Highland Ranch, CO; niece, Jackie Gibler, Bellevue, NE; great- niece, Mackenzie Gibler; 4 nephews, Richard (Kelly) Gibler, Highland Ranch, CO, Rick (Daryl) Heldenbrand, Lee’s Summit, MO, Randy Heldenbrand, Olathe, KS and Ron Heldenbrand, Olathe, KS; brother-in-law, Charlie (Pat) Baker, Parkville, MO, and brother in spirit, Gary (Diane) Weyant, Lincoln, NE.
Services: 11:00 AM, Tuesday, September 25, 2018 at the First Christian Church in Cameron. Visitation: 10-11 AM, prior to the service. Burial: Winston Cemetery, Winston, MO. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wayside Waifs, Be Head Strong or Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care. Arrangements: Poland-Thompson Funeral Home, Cameron. Online condolences: www.polandthompson.com.

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