Rich Earhart

Richard Dean Earhart, Jr, 56, of Glendale, AZ, born on January 31, 1964, in Kansas City, Missouri, encountered complete engine failure on Monday, August 31, 2020 at Lake Ozark, MO. Rich was an avid marine and auto technician, builder, designer and engineer of all things in life. He loved baseball, boating, hanging out with friends and traveling with his family. He is the husband and best friend of Camille. Loving and adoring father of Charlize. Brother of Kristin (husband Daniel) Hood of Blue Springs, MO; and Nicholas (wife Melanie) Earhart of Lake Tapawingo, MO. Uncle of Lauren Earhart of Dallas, TX; Madison Hood (fiance Gabe LaVar) of Blue Springs, MO, Jackson Hood of Kansas City, MO, Lindsay (husband Chris) Bessmer of Blue Springs, MO and Clayton (wife Jamie) Hood of Belton, MO. He is preceded in death by his parents Richard Dean Earhart, Sr and Barbara Ann Boyer Earhart, both of Independence, MO. The way that he died is just like he lived: he wrote his own rules, he despised routine and structure and enjoyed life as if everyday was his last; nothing was ever a big deal to Rich. He was great at everything he did, except caring for his own chassis, which is why we all lost a great man too early. He was the type of man that you could depend on always and if he ever borrowed something from you, consider it a bonus, because he’d always return it in better working condition to you. He was a rare combination of someone who had a love of life and a firm understanding of what was most important: the simplicity of living a life with those you love. Everyone who remembers him is asked to celebrate Rich’s life in their own way; raising a glass of their favorite drink in his memory would be quite appropriate. Instead of flowers, Rich would hope that you will do an unexpected and unsolicited act of kindness for someone less fortunate, and he’d prefer no credit for it as usual. A celebration of life will be held at the Elk’s Lodge #2509 in Blue Springs, MO, September 10, 2020 from 2PM to 6PM CDT. Rich will rest in peace in Glendale, AZ, with his wife and daughter at home with a headstone to include “Whatever” on it, as he always requested.