Richard Andrew Pearman, 98, Iola, passed away Friday, Feb. 5, 2016, at his home.
Richard was born March 21, 1917, at home in Wright County, Mo., the son of Lee Ernest and Genevie Gertrude (Farmer) Pearman. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Everett, Edgar and Otis Pearman, Mary Pearman, Opal Pettit, Jewel McGie and Marie Robinson. He is survived by a number of nieces and nephews.
Richard married Agnes Fern McIntyre, Humboldt, on Sept. 7, 1938, Yates Center. They celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary in September 2009 prior to Agnes’ death July 3, 2010.
Richard was a musician from his youth and throughout his life. He taught himself to play harmonica, bass violin, guitar and fiddle. He also made a bass for himself.
Richard, together with Agnes, was a milk hauler, home interior finisher, active in Kansas Old-Time Fiddlers, Pickers and Singers (Blue Mound), musician extraordinare (Missouri State Fiddle Champion), played and led dance bands in the area for many years. He also taught children to play fiddle, repaired Iola High School band instruments, restored and repaired a myriad of musical instruments, and was active in Senior Citizens. He played for nursing homes and other benevolent organizations.
Visitation will be from 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Chapel in Iola. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home with burial to follow in Mount Hope Cemetery in Humboldt. Memorials are suggested to the Bowlus Fine Arts Center or Allen Community College Endowment Association and may be left with the funeral home. Go to www.iolafuneral.com to leave a condolence online.
Richard Pearman
