Richard Guthrie

Richard “Dick” Guthrie, 69, Lee’s Summit, MO passed away April 3, 2012 at his home in Lee’s Summit.  Dick was born October 3^rd 1942 in Memphis, Tennessee. Dick grew up in Memphis, and those who knew him, know he was blessed with never losing his adoring child-like tendencies. Dick graduated from Treadwell High School, served in the Marines, and attended Mississippi State University. Dick married Gloria Clowney in 1963, and two years later, their daughter Debbie was born. He followed his dad’s footsteps and contributed to the business of agriculture in many ways. Including launching and marketing the Hy-Performer seed line for Helena Chemical Company.

His parents, Richard and Evelyn Guthrie, and his sister Barbara Bennett precede him in death. Surviving are his wife Gloria, his daughter Debbie Stoddard, his son-in-law Jim Stoddard, three granddaughters Danielle McKay married to Josh McKay, Courtney Stoddard, and Taylor Stoddard, great-grandson Parker McKay, many well-loved aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends, too numerous to mention.

On one hand, Dick was blessed with an easy-going style that would make a stranger feel like a long time friend. On the other, he had the professional knowledge to make others seek out his opinion. Dick was a big family man with a “gentle as a lamb” personality, and no matter how busy or successful he became in business, family was always his first priority.

The memorial service will be held at the Church of Christ at 15331 E 39th Street South in Independence, MO on Saturday April 7^th at 10am. A second memorial service will be held at the Agricenter in Memphis, TN at 7777 Walnut Grove Rd. Memphis, TN 38120 on April 22^nd at 3pm.

 In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be sent to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN in Richard’s name.