Richard K. Shimamoto

1941 - 2024

Richard "Dick" Kazuo Shimamoto, 82 of Sunset Hills, MO died March 15, 2024. Preceded in death by his wife Vicky in 2020, he was father to Sherry (Herman) Leitl and Cindy Shimamoto, dear grandfather of Seth (Abby) and Wesley Pratt; and Mickey, Kiera and Cody Hosack. His bonus grandchildren included Brooke (Brett) and Blake Bauza and Adam Leitl. Dear brother to David (Joyce Scherzer) Shimamoto, Ed (Diane Broughton) Shimamoto, Lois Adams of Bella Vista, AR, and Lynn (Don Brubeck) Shimamoto of Seattle. He leaves aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and close friends.

Dick was the eldest of five children born to Naokichi "George" and Kimi Shimamoto. He and his family were relocated from California to a wartime internment camp in Rohwer, AR in 1942. After the war, his family moved to St. Louis. Dick graduated from Southwest High School in June 1959. In 1963 he graduated with a degree in electrical engineering from Missouri School of Mines in Rolla. He began working at McDonnell Aircraft Company, and retired from Boeing as a program manager 35 years later. In 1964 at Steak 'N Shake he met Vicky, who would be his wife of nearly 55 years. He coached softball at St. Elizabeth Academy and Notre Dame high schools for eight years. Dick was inducted into the St. Louis Softball Hall of Fame in 2022. He was happiest being with family and friends. His kindness, love and laughter will last in our hearts. A celebration of life for Dick and Vicky will take place April 13, Noon to 3 p.m. with remembrance 3-4 p.m. at Bopp Chapel, 10610 Manchester Rd., Kirkwood. Read the full tribute at boppchapel.com.

Dick would welcome donations to the Missouri Botanical Garden or STL Chapter Japanese American Citizens League, 729 Turrentine Trl, St. Louis MO 63141.