Galena, KS – Richard Lee Thrower (Birddog) entered the gates of heaven on Friday, July 1, 2022, at his home surrounded by his loving family at the age of 58, after a long battle with cancer. Richard was born June 3, 1964, in Baxter Springs, Kansas to Hershell and Roberta (Adams) Thrower. He was a lifetime area resident. He graduated from Baxter High School in 1982. As a small boy, Richard led in his dad’s footsteps as he was always around an 18-wheeler, and as soon as he was old enough, he became a truck driver. He drove for many years, having to retire at 57. He was a man who loved sports of any kind. He grew up playing sports in school and played slow pitch softball as an adult, meeting many good friends along the way. As his kids got old enough, he helped coach their teams for several years. If he wasn’t coaching on the field, he coached from the stands, never missing a game.
Richard was an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan as well as the Kansas City Royals. In his younger years, he loved coon hunting, playing golf, going fishing, and occasionally taking a trip to the casinos with his daughter, Jara. He loved spending time with his family and watching any sport on TV. He loved camping and a good game of washers with good friends.
Richard was survived by his wife, Kristi (Click) Thrower of 27 years; 3 children, Kelly Thrower, Kyle Thrower, and Jara Williams and husband Bryceston; 2 bonuses, Justin Click and wife Shaylean, and Shalea Duesterhaus and husband Cale; 4 grandchildren, Andrew Bullette, Sylie Click, Gunner Duesterhaus, Christofer Click; a special surprise before passing, soon to be, Baby Williams, which is a blessing grandbaby #5; sister, Robin Gilmore and husband Kevin; sister-in-law, Kelley Walker and husband Mike; niece, Kayla Edmondson and husband Riley; nephew Joshua Walker; great nieces, Kylie, Kensi, Kelsie, and Remi; and very dear friends, Frank and Audra Merrill. He was preceded in death by his parents, Hershell and Roberta Thrower and little brother, Randy Thrower. His remains have been cremated. Family night will be Friday, July 8th from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM at House of Prayer Church in Riverton, Kansas. Memorial Service (Celebration of Life) will be Saturday, July 9th at 11:00 AM at House of Prayer Church in Riverton, KS. Burial will be at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Ozark Memorial Park Crematory in Joplin.