Richard Bronson

Richard Curtis Bronson, age 62, of Lamar, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, December 8, 2016 at Freeman West Hospital in Joplin.      Rick was born July 15, 1954, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, one of the seven children of Oscar and Rose (Valenti) Bronson.  He was preceded in death by his father; a brother, John Bronson; and a sister, Linda (Bronson) Lair.      Moving with his family to Missouri in 1956, Rick grew up in Sheldon and Lamar.  He traveled the country as an over-the-road truck driver for many years and had worked for Golden Business Forms, Jasper Products and O’Sullivan Industries.  Many will remember him from his current job at Good Samaritan in Lamar.  His favorite pastime was spending time in family and good friends, especially if it included practical jokes and good-natured teasing.      Survivors include Richard’s mother, Rose Bronson, Lamar; his close companion of 14 years, Beth Wicker, El Dorado Springs; three sons, Richard, Jr. (Heidi) Bronson, Bangor, Maine, Christopher (Sarah) Bronson and Bryan Bronson, San Antonio, Texas; two brothers, Oscar (Linda) Bronson and Bob (Susan) Bronson, all of Lamar; two sisters, Anna (Lee Roy) Voorhees, Lamar and Susan (Doug) Ball, Jasper; and three grandsons.      Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, December 12th at Daniel Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until service time.  Burial will be in Lake Cemetery.      Memorial contributions are suggested to the Good Samaritan, in care of the funeral home.