Richard R. Dittmer

Richard Ray Dittmer, 82, of Smithton, passed away Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at Golden Age Living Center in Stover.

He was born May 22, 1943, in Sedalia, the son of Carl and Velma (Page) Dittmer. On June 18, 1966, in Florence, he was united in marriage to Irene C. Rehmer, who survives of the home.

Richard attended grade school at Black Jack and was a 1961 graduate of Smithton High School. In 1967, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in the Vietnam War. He completed his basic training at Fort Leonard Wood and was stationed at Fort Hood before his discharge in 1969. He was awarded the Purple Heart for his service.

He was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s United Church of Christ, where he was actively involved throughout his life. He served on the church board and cemetery board, participated on various committees, taught Sunday school, and sang in the church choir.

In his younger years, Richard worked in construction and helped build the State Fair Shopping Center. He later began a 43-year career with Phillips 66 Pipeline, where he worked as a welder and leadman.

Richard also served his community as a member of the Morgan County R-1 School Board and helped organize and build the Florence Fire Department.

He enjoyed wagon train rides with his covered wagon and team of horses, his mules, John Deere tractors, Chevy pickups, and working on the farm. He was always involved in his children’s and grandchildren’s school, sports, and church activities. Richard was proud to welcome his first great-granddaughter and looked forward to the arrival of another. Above all, he loved his family.

Surviving are his wife of 59 years, Irene, of the home; two children, Kevin Dittmer (Bobbi), of Smithton, and Angela Sumner (Kevin), of Mora; grandchildren, Kylee Martin (David), Abby Dittmer, and Weston Holem; and a great-granddaughter, Brynley Raye Martin.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Lane Jeffery Holem; and a brother, David Dittmer.

The family will receive friends from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. Sunday, January 11, 2026, at Heckart Funeral Home in Sedalia.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, January 12, 2026, at St. John’s Evangelical Church in Florence.

Casket bearers will be David Martin, Weston Holem, Abby Dittmer, Eric Rehmer, David Schroder, and Daniel Schroder. Kylee Martin will be an honorary bearer.

Burial will be in St. John’s Cemetery, with military honors conducted by the U.S. Army and VFW Post 2591.

Memorials are suggested to St. John’s Evangelical Church.