Richard Staunton Cowsert

Richard built a legacy of family, hard work, laughter and resiliency in a full life dedicated to those he loved.
Richard Staunton Cowsert, 87, of Overland, MO (formerly of West Frankfort, IL) died peacefully in his home, with family at his bedside, on Saturday, Sept. 28. He was a devoted father, loving husband, and dependable neighbor and friend who touched the lives of all who knew him with his warmth, wisdom, and humor.
Richard was born in West Frankfort, IL on Sept. 10, 1937 to Margaret (Medlin) and Alvin John Cowsert, joining his older brother Bobbie; older sister Patricia; and, later, younger sister Leslie, all of whom preceded him in death. Richard attended West Frankfort public schools until he began working full time with his father, pitching in to help support his family.
Richard served briefly in Germany with the United States Army in peacetime. After his military service, Richard worked far from home on a pipeline, but returned to West Frankfort, final paycheck in hand, determined to ask a certain young lady to marry him. Richard and Sherrill Jeanne Bussler were married on Oct. 2, 1959, a date they frequently forgot in their hardworking, busy lives until some point during the day when they would recognize it was their anniversary and just laugh, knowing that all the days that followed their wedding day made their marriage stronger. Richard worked a number of jobs, but spent the bulk of his working years at Old Ben Coal #21 in Sesser, IL, where he was a heavy equipment mechanic until the mine was idled in 1991. Not yet ready to retire, Richard became an over-the-road truck driver with Hornady Transportation. After coming off the road, Richard and Sherry decided it was time to leave West Frankfort for St. Louis in the summer of 2001, where their daughters Dana and Lisa lived, giving them many happy memories and a new community to call home. They joined the local parish, Our Lady of the Presentation, and were grateful to be a part of that community with Dana and her family.
Richard was a man of quiet strength and faith. His life was defined by love for his family, a deep sense of integrity, and high expectations of himself and others. Although he had to leave school at an early age, Richard earned his GED while working and supporting his own growing family. He was a lifelong learner, often seen with a book in hand and a notebook and dictionary close by. Richard also enjoyed many outdoor pursuits like hunting, fishing, gardening, jogging and tennis, and could fix any car and tackle any home repair projects. Thanks to Richard and Sherry's gardening skills and Richard's ability with both rifle and bow, the industrious couple were able to feed their family well despite a stressful lack of income during a long UMWA strike in the 1970s.
Richard and Sherry have three daughters, Lisa Cowsert of Overland, MO; Dana (Cowsert) Andrade of Overland, MO; and Nola (Cowsert) Hansen of Basking Ridge, NJ; two sons-in-law, Jose Andrade and Tim Hansen; six grandchildren, Christina (Andrade) Melly (and husband Matthew) of University City, MO; Richard Andrade of Webster Groves, MO; Michael Andrade of Overland, MO; Nicholas Hansen (and wife Emily Lopez) of Hamden, CT; Matthew Hansen of Nashville, TN; John (Jack) Hansen of Basking Ridge, NJ; and two cherished great-grandsons, Oliver Alexander Melly and Daniel Joseph Melly, of University City, MO. Richard delighted in being known as PawPaw for all his grand- and great-grandchildren.
As a father, he was patient, loving, and supportive. He instilled in his children the values of hard work, honesty, and the determination to follow their dreams. Richard and Sherry always put their family above everything else, encouraging their girls to become strong, confident women. Lisa lovingly assumed the role of primary caregiver for Sherry and then Richard as their health declined in recent years. Lisa's conscientious care, with Dana's detailed and loving support and the entire family's unwavering commitment ensured that Richard could spend his final days at home in the devoted care of his daughters and the Mercy Hospice nurses and aides.
Visitation is planned for 9 a.m. Friday, Oct. 4 at Our Lady of the Presentation, 8860 Tudor Ave., Overland, MO, followed by a funeral mass at 10 a.m. Interment will be in Tower Heights Cemetery, 501 N. Walnut St., West Frankfort, IL at 3:30 p.m., where Richard will be laid to rest next to Sherry and among many family members who have gone before.
Family and friends are invited to gather at the Redbird Diner, 1009 E. Main St., West Frankfort, following burial for light refreshments, from 4 to 5 p.m.
Rest easy, Dad. You will always be our guiding light.