Services for Richard Atwell, 83, of Chariton, will be held Friday, December 12, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Brushy Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Brushy Community Church 12790 430th St, Plano, IA 52581.
Richard Dale Atwell was born on September 1, 1942, to Merrill and Clara (King) Atwell at their family home in Plano, Iowa. From the beginning, Richard carried with him a gentle spirit, a strong work ethic, and a deep love for the people in his life.
Growing up on the farm shaped who he became—kind, patient, steady, and always willing to lend a hand. He attended Greenville country school and graduated from Russell High School in 1961, where he enjoyed playing basketball and running track. Richard dearly loved his siblings, and some of his happiest childhood memories were the times they spent together working, playing, and supporting one another. He also cherished the many Sunday nights spent visiting his parents, filling those evenings with laughter, stories, and the comfort of being surrounded by family.
He was proud to have competed at the Boys State Basketball Tournament, but even more proud of the friendships he formed along the way.
Richard served with the Army National Guard as a crane operator and later worked for the Corps building bridges—work that suited his natural ability to build, fix, and strengthen anything he put his hands on. On October 21, 1964, Richard married Patricia Ansley. Together they created a home filled with love, laughter, and unwavering support as they raised their children: Kelly, Darren, and Ryan.
From 1964 to 1972, Richard owned his own construction company in the Quad Cities. He took great pride in being his own boss and poured his heart into every project, building and restoring homes with the same care and dedication he showed his family and friends. He was a member of the Lions Club and served on the Farmer’s Coop board, always believing in giving back to the community he loved. Some of his happiest days were spent boating on Rathbun Lake, surrounded by family and friends. He was an active member and a Deacon at the First Baptist church in Chariton Iowa, where he made life long friends.
In 1972, Richard and his family returned to Russell, where he embraced a life of farming. He loved working with his hands and found joy in the simple, meaningful moments the land offered. Richard was the kind of man who would stop whatever he was doing to help someone else—quietly, humbly, and without expecting anything in return. His kindness was steady and constant, felt by everyone who knew him.
In his later years, nothing brought him more happiness than time spent with his children and grandchildren. He cherished watching them grow and especially enjoyed the memories they made together at tractor pulls. He also loved having them come to visit, and he never let a single one leave without a handful of snacks to take home. His pride in his family was endless.
On December 4, 2025, Richard passed peacefully at Care Initiatives in Chariton, Iowa.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Merrill and Clara Atwell, and his great-grandson, Ellis Bush.
He leaves behind a family who adored him: his children Kelly (Darold) Bush, Darren (Heidi) Atwell, and Ryan (Amanda) Atwell; 10 grandchildren—Conrad (Hannah) Bush, Camron Bush, Amy Stofenberg, Madison (Mark) Langemach, Brady (Abby) Atwell, Tyson Atwell, Elizabeth (Gage) Beers, Sara Atwell (Cody), Briley Atwell, and Baylor Atwell; three great-grandchildren—Jovie, Hazel, and Henry; his siblings Don (Karol) Atwell, Rose (Jerry) Jeffries, Joyce Trenary Robinson, and Dave Atwell; and many extended family and friends who will carry his love with them forever.
Richard lived his life with a generous heart, a steady hand, and a quiet but powerful love for his family, friends, church, and community. His legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched. He will be greatly missed.
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