Richard Glenn DeGroat was born September 17th 1954 in Caldwell Idaho. He was a loving father, grandfather and great grandfather. He leaves behind his wife Sherry, two sons Reese and David and two daughters Crystal and Laura along with Four grandchildren Austin, Kaylin, Sylys and Elvis and one great granddaughter Rose. As well as all those who shared in his loving embrace. He loved spending time with his family teaching them about sports, hunting, mechanics, respect and morals and most importantly a hearty sense of humor! His pool of jokes never ran dry.

He was always patient, playful, kind and a true kid at heart all the way till the end! His eldest granddaughter recalls spending all her time as a child being with her grandpa reloading bullets and going on lots of road trips with yummy foods, He would even eat her playdough cookies just to put a smile on her face. They watched lots of movies together and ate piles and piles of popcorn. She loved that he never ran out of corny jokes just to make her laugh. He was the best grandpa she could have ever asked for and more.

He also took joy in competitive bench rest shooting with his buddies, Spending time in the great outdoors where you could smell the trees and hear the birds with a strong cup of black coffee. He also loved to cook meals for his family; He could make a mean bowl of chili with delicious cornbread that was good for your soul.

He was a hardworking, strong and selfless man that made sure his family was taken care of always and above all. He spent most of his career working at Caterpillar as a mechanic climbing the ranks filling many toles throughout the years until being able to retire at the age of 65.

In his years after retirement, he spent time with family, who he loved dearly as well as his beloved cats. Watching him with his children, grandchildren and great grandchild you could see how much joy they brought to his life!

In this world we encounter many people who not only make a difference in our lives but show us what love and encouragement mean. These are the things we leave behind when we go to walk in the heavens. The moments, the smiles, the talks and the lessons that can only be shared by spending time with those we love. These are the things he leaves behind in all of us.

I know he is happy and whole now. As a man of faith, he has gone home to be with The Father. He can rest and walk hand in hand in the clouds. A guardian angel to watch over all of us who had the pleasure of getting to call him family. So, if you walk in the room and find GunSmoke on TV or feel a breeze in a still room just close your eyes and say hi. He is watching over us all. Encouraging us to continue to grow and be the best we can be.

Services will be held March 14th at the Kennewick Grange Hall on 1500 union 2pm-5pm. All friends and family are welcome to celebrate his life.