Richard Arthur (Rick) Pearson passed away on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at the age of 89 years. Rick was born August 24, 1935, in Risco, Missouri, to Arthur (Ott) and Geraldine Boner Pearson. He grew up in the Malden-Risco area, where his father once operated a salvage yard and where Rick learned the fine art of mechanics. He attended schools in Risco and Malden, Missouri.

He married Doris Glenda Walker on November 27, 1960, who survives, and they moved to Campbell, Missouri, in 1962.

Also in 1962, Rick started a successful career in the automotive business which evolved over the years from motorcycle repair to all mechanical services. In 1971 he formed R.A. Pearson Enterprises and began international trade with Australia, Canada and Mexico, supplying motors and tires for farm machinery. When he ceased import trade in 1987, he owned various local businesses (Napa Store, Yesteryear Antiques, and an interest in several car lots). In recent years, although Rick no longer operated a large business, he kept his mechanical knowledge active with restoration of antique vehicles, repair of lawnmowers and other small engines, and general tinkering. His inventory of tools and parts was legend; the younger Pearson generation have been heard to refer to "Shed Number 7" when asked where Rick might be. He was always a man with a needed part, a purpose, an opinion, and a story to fit the occasion.

Rick was a very involved member of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Piggott, Arkansas. He was a regular at services, taught Sunday School, witnessed to others and attended a local Bible study five days a week.

Rick was a hunter, a fisherman, a wild game aficionado, an accomplished carpenter (building the family home) and a specialty cook. His Christmas peanut brittle was a much-anticipated Christmas gift for many in Campbell.

In addition to his wife Doris, Rick is survived by his daughter Kimberly Johnson of Nashville, Tenn.; his son Richard Pearson II (Jackie) of Campbell, and by his grandchildren, Andrew Pearson (Allison) of Fenton, Mo., Margaretann Pearson of Springfield, Mo., and Elizabeth Pearson of St. Louis, Mo.

Funeral services will be provided by Landess Funeral Home in Campbell, Missouri, with Reverend Kevin Murray officiating. Visitation will be Friday, January 31, from 4 to 7 pm. The funeral will be held on Saturday, February 1 at 10:30am. Graveside services will be for family only.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to one of Rick's favorite charities, either Operation Smile or Samaritan's Purse.