STAIHR, RICHARD J.

Richard J. “Dick” Staihr, 86, of Nevada, Mo., passed away Monday, September 29, 2008, at Christian Health Care, Nevada, Mo., following a brief illness. He was born November 8, 1921, in Kansas City, Mo., to Joseph Bernard Staihr and Claire Margaret Gillen Staihr.

Mr. Staihr was raised in Independence, Mo., and graduated from William Chrisman High School. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps as a Marine Raider during WW II in the South Pacific. Following his time in the service, he made his living in a variety of pursuits including hydraulic engineering as well as sales. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion. He was also a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Nevada, Mo. He was an avid golfer and also an avid square and ballroom dancer.

Survivors include two sons, Richard P. Staihr, Grandview, Mo., and Brian K. Staihr, Kansas City, Mo.; two daughters, Sharon S. Jackson, Charlotte, N.C., and Julie Niggebrugge, Manchester, Conn.; six grandchildren and two great grandchildren; one sister, Roberta Taylor, Independence, Mo., and one brother, J.B. Staihr, Lee’s Summit, Mo.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, October 3, 2008, at Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada, Mo., with Father Justin Hoye officiating.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home Friday afternoon from 1 to 2 p.m. prior to the service.

The family suggests that memorials may be made in his honor to the charity of the donor’s choice in care of Ferry Funeral Home, 301 S. Washington, Nevada, MO 64772.