Dr. Richard K. Weerts

Dr. Richard K. Weerts, 90 of Kirksville passed away Sunday (March 31, 2019) at University Hospital in Columbia, Missouri.

The son of Gerhard Nicholas and Ellen Marie (Lindeburg) Weerts, he was born October 7, 1928 in Peoria, Illinois. On June 1, 1976 in Shenandoah, Iowa he was united in marriage to Mary F. Perry.

Richard is survived by two sons, Lawrence Weerts of Kirksville and Andrew Weerts of Junction City, Oregon; two daughters, Lynn Stephenson and husband Randall of Gulf Shores, Alabama and Christie Scott-Hamblin and husband Chris of Council Bluffs, Iowa; ten grandchildren and one great grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Mary; and one brother, William Weerts.

Richard received his Bachelor of Science from University of Illinois in 1951; Master of Arts from Columbia University in 1956; his Doctor of Education from Columbia University in 1960; and his Master of Arts from Northeast Missouri State University in 1973. He taught at Lyndhurst, New Jersey Public Schools, 1956-1957; was director instrumental music in Scott Plains, New Jersey Public Schools, 1957-1961; was professor music at Truman State University, Kirksville from 1961 until his retirement and was chair of department of music, Truman State University since 1994.

He was a member of First United Methodist Church, Kirksville where he was director of music, since 1970. Served with the United State Army, 1951 – 1955. Member of Council for Research in Music Education, National Association College Wind and Percussion Instructors (national executive secretary/treasurer since 1971, editor journal since 1968), Music Educators National Conference, Phi Delta Kappa. He was the author of several music educator books.

Visitation with the family will be from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Friday (April 5, 2019) at First United Methodist Church with funeral service at 2:00 p.m. with Reverend Scot Beard officiating. Burial will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday (April 6, 2019) at the Rose Hill Cemetery in Shenandoah, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Arrangements in the care of Davis-Playle-Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home; www.davisplaylehudsonrimer.com.