Richard Eugene Knotts of Campbell, Missouri was born November 21, 1941 in Campbell, Missouri.

Richard was known to friends and family as Dickie. He died December 24, 2025, at the age of 84 in Hillsboro Missouri surrounded by loved ones.

Dickie considered himself a lifelong farmer at heart. He loved telling stories of picking cotton as a youngster and later farming alongside his dad and brother as an adult. The land, the work, and the memories stayed with him always.

When times grew tough, Dickie did whatever was needed to provide for his family. He spent 30 years as an industrial painter, running major projects and earning a reputation for hard work and reliability.

Dickie squeezed as much joy as possible out of his 20-plus years of retirement. During that time, he moved into his favorite job yet-taking care of his grandchildren. He lovingly cared for Cheyenne and Luke while their parents worked, a role he took on with pride. Family and friends meant everything to him. His true labor of love was bringing people together, organizing gatherings and family reunions filled with fish fries, smoked pork, and roasted turkeys. Dickie was the glue that held us together.

Speaking of fish fries-Dickie was a fisherman. Picture a boat surrounded by rods and reels dropped in every direction. He delighted in sharing his love of fishing with family—his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Just this past June, the week of his stroke, he had taken some of the great-grandkids fishing. He was incredibly proud to have beaten cancer in 2023, a victory he celebrated with a charter fishing trip alongside his sons and grandsons.

Dickie also loved to hunt. Some of his favorite moments came each September during dove season, hunting with his sons and grandsons, along with the Smith boys. Those days were filled with laughter, tradition, and memories that will live on.

Dickie is preceded in death by: his father: Samuel Luther Knotts; his mother: Lillian Irene Knotts; his brothers Leon Shepard and Larry Knotts; and a daughter: Tracy Knotts.

He is survived by one sister: Brenda Cumins; the love of his life and the mother of his children Sally Knotts; his sons: Steve -wife Peg Knotts, Richie -wife Kathleen Knotts; his daughter: Kristi Ijames; seven grandchildren: Eric -wife Nikki Knotts, Christopher Knotts, Rachel -husband Eric Miller, Heather -husband Bryant Williams, Skyler -wife Chelsea Smith, Cheyenne -fiancé Brandon Peters, and Luke Knotts; as well as bonus grandchildren: Rebecca, Issac, Ben Zamarron, and Heather Cochran and 18 great-grandchildren.

Visitations will be from 6 – 8 p.m., Friday, January 2, 2026 at the Landess Funeral Home in Campbell, Missouri. Funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, January 3, 2026 at the Landess Funeral Chapel in Campbell, Missouri, with Mr. Lonnie Smith officiating.  Burial following at Mt. Gilead Cemetery in Clarkton, Missouri.

Landess Funeral Home and Crematory of Campbell are in charge of the arrangements.