Richard Ray Walton, age 64, passed peacefully at his home on February 19, 2026, in Birch Tree, Missouri. Richard was born in Abilene, Texas, to Robert and Connie Walton.

Richard was united in marriage to Kelly Marie Endsley on September 16, 1980, in Charleston, South Carolina. Richard is preceded in death by his grandparents, Victor Roberts and Virginia Roberts; father, Robert "Bobby" Walton; brother, Ron Walton; and cousin, Dale Junior Walton.

Richard is survived by his wife, Kelly Walton; mother, Connie Walton; sister, Cheryl Walton; three children, Katrina Cowen (Larry), Rustin Walton (Courtney), and Ryan Walton; six grandchildren, Kiley Cowen (fiance Carson Bland), Bryer Cowen (girlfriend Sarina Crider), Lyllian Walton, Rintin Walton, Caitlin Walton, and Halle Walton; sister-in-law, Janita Mooney (Val, Jr); mother and father-in-law, Karole and Dave Hancock; one nephew, Riley Walton, (Misty); two nieces, Rena Foster (Jeremy), and Rachelle Mckinney (Bobby); cousin, Rodney Walton (Laura); and many great nieces and nephews. He was a mentor to so many people, and they all held a special place in his heart.

Richard was a dedicated and hardworking husband who loved his kids and his entire family endlessly. He loved hunting and fishing, but his true passion was horse cutting, judging horse shows, teaching, training, and going on trail rides that ended with everyone sitting around the campfire reminiscing. He was a great storyteller and could talk to anyone; he never met a stranger. He was blessed with great friends over his lifetime. If you ever had the privilege of dancing with him, you would never forget it. Although he did not attend church, he believed in Jesus. Richard's longest jobs were at Missouri Hardwood Flooring, a/k/a Hardwoods of Missouri, for about 31 years, and Shannon County Southern Road District for about 13 years. He was proud to be a Road Grader Operator for the county.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at Yarber Mortuary, Mountain View, Missouri, with Pastor Jeff Brake officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 2-3:00 p.m., also at the funeral home. Interment will be in Oak Grove Cemetery, Birch Tree, Missouri. Followed by a Pot Luck dinner at Birch Tree Church of God of Prophecy, 302 Ozark St., Birch Tree. Condolences may be expressed at www.yarbermortuary.com.