August 17, 2006

RICHARD LEE GALLAGHER
(11/18/1932 – 8/11/2006)

Richard Lee Gallagher, 73, of Downing, MO, passed away at his home August 11, 2006.

The son of Dana and Louella (Sollenberger) Gallagher, he was born on November 18, 1932, in Elmwood, IL.

Richard was a graduate of the Downing High School.

On November 29, 1957, in Kirksville, MO, he was united in marriage to Lena Lawson and to this union three children were born, Lila, Linda, and Robert.

Survivors include his wife, Lena Gallagher of Downing, MO; his three children, Lila Spray and husband, Eugene of Baring, MO, Linda King and husband, Laine of Bloomfield, IA, and Robert Gallagher of Downing, MO; six grandchildren, James and Jessica Spray, Ryan, Lacy and Ross King and Amy Spray; two great-grandchildren, Jacob Lee Spray and Delsin Holt; two half-brothers, Kenneth and Carl Gallagher; three aunts, Ivalee Crawford, Helen VanDuzen, and Irene Sollenberger and a host of friends.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents; his step-father, Clarence E. “Jake” Whittom; one brother in infancy, Bobby Gene Gallagher; one step-brother, Charles Eugene Whittom; two aunts, Marjorie Aldrich and Olive Forrester; and two uncles, Vernon Whittom and Alvin “Bub” Sollenberger.

Richard worked 30 years in the postal service, 15 years as a postal clerk and 15 years as the postmaster of Downing, MO. He served in the United States Army during the Korean era. He was a member of the I.O.O.F. from the age of 18 until the year 2000; a member of the Downing Fire Department since 1961 and a strong supporter and vital volunteer of the Downing Appreciation Days celebration serving in whatever capacity he was needed.

Funeral services were held on August 14, 2006, at the Norman Funeral Home in Downing, MO, with Norm Snowbarger, Hospice Chaplain officiating. Music was provided by Willa Gooden, organist and Norm Snowbarger, soloist. Pallbearers were James Spray, Darrell Harvey, Jack Erwin, Ryan King, Alan Blessing, and Don Chancellor. Honorary pallbearers were I.G. Ruth, Loweldene Fincher, John Cook, Bob Duncan, Ed Atkinson, Bob Stice, Junior Elliott, Russell Alley, and Paul Johnson. Memorials have been established for the Coffey Cemetery, Hospice or the Downing Fire Department. Burial was in the Coffey Cemetery, south of Downing, MO. Military Rites were held at the cemetery by the Scotland County VFW Post #4958. Arrangements were under the direction of the Norman Funeral Home of Downing, MO.