Richard Edward Glasford was born September 1, 1933 and raised in Albia, a small community in southern Iowa. His parents were Herbert Basil and Leora Grace (Spinks) Glasford. Upon graduation from high school, he enlisted in the Navy, stationed at Treasure Island in San Francisco (1951-1954). He served as a corpsman at the base hospital.

After discharge from the Navy, Richard enrolled in Junior College at Centerville, IA using the GI Bill and working nights at a gas station. He received an Elementary Education degree and went on to Northwest MO State Teachers College in Maryville. He received a BSE in Elementary Education in 1959. He received his MA in Special Education in Kirksville, MO in 1964, and his Elementary Principal Endorsement & Supervision of Special Education in 1969 from IA State University in Ames.

Richard taught in: Marshalltown, IA for 6 years as a 6th grade teacher (4 yrs) and High School Special Education teacher (2 yrs); Manchester, IA as Consultant for Special Education (2 yrs); Winfield, IA as Elementary Principal (1 yr); Eldora, IA as Director of Special Programs (3 yrs); Clinton Public School (1971-1990) as Director of Special Education and Davis R-12 as Principal (2 yrs). He proudly served as an educator for 33 years.

He married Phyllis Darlene Arnold on December 10, 1954. They were blessed with two daughters, Diana and Pam, and one grandchild, Sarah. He was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather whose family always came first.

He was a member of the Sunrise Optimist Club serving as Distinguished President (1975-76). His efforts started the Christmas Shopping Spree for Special Children which has become an annual club event.

Richard passed on December 25, 2012 at Cass Regional Hospital in Harrisonville, MO after a short illness. He was preceded in death by: his parents Herbert Basil and Leora Grace (Spinks) Glasford, sister Patricia Rhoads, brother Robert Glasford, niece Abby Laird, and nephew Richard Nutt.

Surviving are: Phyllis Darlene of the home; daughter Diana Marie Glasford of Longmont, CO; Pamela Jo McKissick of Palacios, TX; 2 sisters Nancy Laird (Ronald) of Montgomery, IL and Mary Glasford of Ely, IA; one brother Mike (Jane) Glasford of Crooks, SD; one granddaughter Sarah Raye McKissick of Palacios, TX; 2 sisters-in-law Barb Glasford of Newton, IA and Dortha Hawkinson of Chariton, IA; and many nieces and nephews

From Phyllis:
Rich loved people, helping them, and making them laugh. He loved his family and friends, and there was a special place in his heart for all children.

When he first got his office at Jefferson Park, he felt a bit leery of those tiny little First Graders. But his experience there became memorable for him. He would sit on the piano bench in the mornings and greet the children by name as they came in.

Once a little girl asked me if I was married to Mr. Glasford. I hold her yes, and she confided that he called her "Dolly." She didn't know how many "Dollies" there were in 1st grade.

I went to college for my degree because Rich encouraged me to be independent and was willing to help with the children and home so that we could make that happen. I deeply appreciate all that he has done for me and our family. He was so generous of heart.

From Diana:
I've been lucky to have a dad who wanted to be a part of the important things: I remember the day he taught me to tie my shoes. He was the one running behind me as I graduated from tricycle to bicycle, the one who played catch with me and taught me the proper way to throw a football. Dad made sure I was good at mowing the lawn or waxing a car. He willingly sat on the passenger's side as I tackled the stick shift. In my life, he's always had my back. Maybe his greatest gifts to me were his generosity toward others, and the ways in which I knew he was proud of me.

From Pam:
When I was little, Dad called me "Frinkles: because I had so many freckles. I liked that and brought 3 of my 1st grade friends home for him to name. And he did! But mine was neater!

When I was in the 9th grade, my friend and I decided to skip school. We went to my house. Unfortunately, Dad stopped by going between schools, and my friend went to hide. Dad didn't say a word to me then. When he left, I couldn't find by friend, so I called her house to ask what happened. She said my Dad had opened the closet door where she was hiding and said, "kind of dark in there, isn't it?" She ran home.

My folks were helping me move across town once. I had a lot of plants; Dad had put some too close to the road. I told him I was afraid that someone might take them from there. He said, "Then can't we put all of them out there?" That was my Dad!

From Sarah:
I called my Grandpa "Papa." He was a lot of fun! When I was 3, he showed me how to roll down a little hill. I liked it a lot, but for Papa, not so much. He was a little dizzy for a while.

He bought me a tricycle, a scooter, and a bike. Now at 16, he has bought me a car and left flowers on the windshield like a bow for me to find. I never got the chance to thank him, so I thank him now. I love you, "Snickelfritz."

Memorial services were held Saturday, December 29, 2012 at the Vansant-Mills Chapel with David L. Mills officiating. The musical selections were "In the Sweet By and By," "Wind Beneath My Wings," "Amazing Grace," rendered by Mark and Gaye Smith. Arrangements were under the direction of Vansant-Mills Funeral Home of Clinton, Missouri.