Richard L. Semkin

Richard Leo Semkin passed away peacefully in Clinton, Missouri on December 22, 2025. Richard was born December 8, 1946 in Hannibal, MO and was raised by his grandmother in Sedalia, MO. Richard met his wife, Cathy O'Hara, at the University of Missouri, and they married in June 1968. After Richard graduated from MU with a degree in physical therapy, Richard worked at St. John's Hospital in Springfield, MO, where their son, Todd, was also born. Richard was then stationed at Fort Sam Houston in Texas for temporary duty and training and then Fort Belvoir in Virginia. Later, Richard was transferred to the Pentagon, where he served as a physical therapist to Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara and General William Westmoreland, among others. After Richard was discharged from the Army the family moved to Moberly, MO; Carthage, MO; Albany, MO, and eventually settled in Clinton.
Richard was an active member of the Clinton Church of the Nazarene and devoted his time teaching Sunday School and singing in the choir. Richard played multiple rec team sports as much as he could, including volleyball, basketball, tennis, golf, and most importantly softball. Richard also coached Todd's Little League team. Richard loved watching all sports – especially Mizzou football and basketball, Royals baseball, and Chiefs football – and continued to enjoy watching games in his final months and days. In addition, Richard took pleasure in being outdoors fishing and morel mushroom hunting.
Richard was the primary supporter in encouraging Cathy to return to college to get her master's degree in early childhood education and was the primary caregiver of Todd and Amy while Cathy took classes. After Todd's head injury, Richard stayed home to take care of Amy while Cathy stayed with Todd at the hospital and rehab facility.
Richard was preceded in death by his mother, sister, grandmother, and father. He leaves behind his wife, Cathy; son Todd (Mary Ann); daughter Amy Zimmerman (Grant Pendergraft); three grandchildren; and cousins Barb Schumacher (Elroy), Jeanie Buford (Gary), Connie Kerdolff (George), Linda Boyd (John), Barbara Case, H.J. Straka (Martha), Bill Straka (Tracy), Nancy Sullins (Jim), Susan Nixon (Matt), Charles Hoff (Robin), John Hoff, Judy Elbert, and Kay Apsher.
A graveside service to celebrate Richard's life will be held Saturday, January 3, 2026 at 1:00PM at Vansant Road Cemetery, Clinton, Missouri. Donations may be made to the Clinton Church of the Nazarene or the Clinton Animal Shelter/Clinton Animal Rescue Endeavor (C.A.R.E.). Services are under the direction of the Bradley & Hadley Funeral Home, Clinton. Condolences may be left online at www.bradleyhadley.co