Richard T. Eyler, 64, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, April 25, 2021. Rich was born in St. Louis on January 21, 1957, to John F. “Jack” and Patsy D. Eyler. He grew up in Chesterfield, Missouri, and graduated from Parkway Central Senior High School in 1975. He attended the University of Missouri, and in 1979 received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. He received a master’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Central Missouri in 1980.
Rich worked for the University of Missouri for 40 years in the office of Student Financial Aid. He dedicated much of his free time to community service. Most weekends he spent doing volunteer work for Columbia Parks and Recreation events including traffic control, bicycle patrol, and picking up litter. He enjoyed growing native Missouri plants and maintained a city Adopt-a-Spot. He was an avid bicyclist and enjoyed the city and state biking trails.
Rich was patient, quiet and humble. He was a man of high morals and great character and was loved by many throughout the surrounding area. He touched many lives and made a positive difference in this world. He will be deeply missed. His brother, John C. Eyler, of Kansas City, survives him.
To honor Rich's memory, friends, family and co-workers will gather in Columbia on June 11, 2021, at Albert-Oakland Park, 1900 Blue Ridge Road, Shelter 2 from 3-6 p.m. A round-trip memorial bike ride will also occur during this event. Donations are also being accepted through this GoFundMe platform in an effort to raise enough money to be able to have a park bench and/or a plan a tree in Rich's name and honor. The cost of a bench will be a minimum $1500, and a tree will be $400. So we put our goal at $1900. Any funding we receive over our goal will also be donated to Columbia Parks and Recreation in Rich's honor.
Below are just a few of the memories people have shared about Rich that we invite you to read from the Dignity Memorial website .
Mary Newby Plakorus
May 26, 2021
I worked with Rich as a Volunteer at many events we spent many Saturdays working traffic for soccer at Cosmo Park. It was such an honor to have been able to know and work with Rich. God bless his beautiful soul.
Andrea Cathey
May 6, 2021
Rich and I worked together many moons ago in Financial Aid, and although I moved to another department, we would run into each other out walking on campus and always stop to chat and catch up. Steady, calm, and funny...everyone loved him, including me. I feel fortunately that some "university business" brought us together more regularly the past couple of years...we talked and met far more than our impromptu catch ups. I loved hearing about his home building project and "camper life." My sincere condolences to his brother, John, and all of my friends in Fin Aid...I know there is a big hole in your hearts. I will miss him terribly.
Karen (Stout) Duda
May 5, 2021
Rich was the kindest, most humble, and gracious person I’ve had the fortune to know. His dry humor and quick wit was one of a kind! He was a friend to everyone who had the benefit to be around him. He truly had the biggest heart! I was devastated to hear of his passing. God bless his family. You are in my prayers. Rest In Peace, Rich. You are loved and will be missed deeply.
Cora Breedlove
May 2, 2021
Rich was such a joy to work with! Always so nice and so very helpful. During the transition to an online computer system for ths Financial Aid/Cashier's Department he was so patient and helpful with me as an older technology challenged person!
Cathy Turner
May 1, 2021
I worked with Rich when I worked in Cashiers at MU. Rich, always pleasant & had time for I’m sure my annoying questions. He was a great dog & flower person who I’ll miss... one of a kind.
Janet Deneke
May 1, 2021
I worked with Rich, though not directly, for a number of years. What a great guy - always so easy going, and always offering some sly humor. Every time I saw him I thought he was the most relaxed person I've ever met! So sorry to hear of his passing.
Kim Humphrey
April 29, 2021
Rich was such a calm, unflappable and kind person. Whether you ran into him in the hallways of Jesse, on 9th street heading downtown or on one of the many Columbia paths you always got the same Rich. He His passing is such a loss for his Financial Aid family, the University of Missouri and all who knew him. He will be sorely missed.
Chuck May
April 29, 2021
Rich was simply one of the nicest people I've worked with in Jesse Hall. I'll always remember a conversation in Memorial Union's S110 Eyler Room where he talked to me about the legacy of his family at Mizzou and the pictures on the wall. Very humble, always friendly and helpful. He will be missed by many.
Brenda Fenley
April 29, 2021
So very sorry to hear of his passing. I work with him for many years. He will be missed greatly.
Ravish Mehta
April 28, 2021
Rich and I shared an office for a some time. I soon figured out that he is a very on-time, punctual kind of person- so much so that when he returned from lunch, I would know what time it must be. He was very proud of his family's contribution to MU and took me to show the room and the plaque that had their name. He was one of the simplest and nicest guys I have come across. Sad .....he had to leave the world so early.
Amanda (Clough) Veasman
April 28, 2021
Rich was one of the brightest, most sincere, kindest and patient souls that I’ve had the pleasure of knowing. I will always have a deep respect for him and will forever appreciate the friendship he provided to me over the years. Gone too soon, but never forgotten.
Nick Prewett
April 28, 2021
I had the pleasure of working with Rich for over 9 years. I was a Columbia transplant from Lawrence. At his desk, he kept a Jayhawk in a noose. He'd always get this shy smile when I'd look at it. When I started Rich used 5 monitors, all had their specific purpose. We ordered new monitors for his officemate. He spent weeks inspecting the two new large monitors until one day he came into my office and said as only he could "I think it's time I get new monitors" He never showed a great deal of excitement, but when those new monitors came, he was oh so proud. One more story, during busy times, Rich liked to help screen students waiting in line. It wasn't his responsibility by any means, but it brought him such great joy to help students. He had such a brilliant mind and a kind heart. He's missed.
Jeff Wright
April 28, 2021
Rich lived life at his own pace, doing the things he liked to do. He was calm, mellow, and sincere. If you saw him walking around town, or out on the trail riding his bicycle, he was always willing to stop for a few minutes to say hello before casually moving along. His sense of humor would take you by surprise sometimes because you almost would not expect it from him...but he was very witty and ready to make a wry comment at just the right time. A truly good guy and it is a real shame that he is gone from this world.
Kathy Hernandez
April 28, 2021
I worked with Rich for 27 years. He was such a gentle soul. He was the most patient person that I have ever had the pleasure to know. I saw him in his yard the Friday and Saturday before he passed. I now wish that I had stopped to visit with him, but didn’t want to interrupt him doing his yard work. He will be missed by so many people who had the pleasure of knowing him. May he Rest In Peace.
Mary Hudnut
April 27, 2021
I was sorry to hear about Richard‘s passing. I worked for him in financial aid system for many years.
My prayers are with you during this difficult time. Rich will be very much missed.