Richard Charles Vedder

Richard Charles Vedder, 72, of Millersburg, Mo., passed away on Thursday, December 21, 2017, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. He was born in St. Louis on May 8, 1945, the son of the late Wilburn L. Vedder and the late Esther S. (Klaas) Vedder Ayers. Richard married Linda (Allen) Vedder on June 7, 1969. She survives his passing. Richard grew up in the Baden neighborhood of St. Louis, and attended Ebenezer School and Lutheran Central High School. Having obtained his bachelor and master degrees in civil engineering at the University of Missouri-Rolla (now Missouri University of Science and Technology), Richard embarked on a career in the growing field of environmental engineering in 1968. He spent 32 years with Sverdrup Corporation in St. Louis (now Jacobs Engineering), where he managed the design of water and wastewater treatment projects. But Richard's true passion was raising fruits and vegetables. In 2002, he and Linda retired to the family farmhouse they restored in Millersburg, where Richard gardened. He navigated the complications of kidney disease and diabetes with a steady discipline, and he made the most of the kidney that Linda donated to him in 1995. Ever the engineer, Richard found novel solutions to all manner of practical problems. As his physical strength declined, he remained productive, creating a library of video recordings to share with family and friends and engaging on community issues. To his children he passed on his quiet faith, love of learning, and delight in problem-solving. Those remaining to cherish his memory include his wife of 48 years; son, Andrew T. Vedder (Lisa) of Milwaukee, Wis.; daughter, Cynthia S. Vedder-Penrod (David) of Fulton; sister-in-law, Jane Vedder of Milledgeville, Ga.; step-brother, Robert Ayers (Shawn) of Eureka; grandchildren, Noah and Claire Vedder; step-grandchildren, Josh and Brittany Penrod; nephew, John Vedder and niece, Kate Huntebrinker. Along with his parents, Richard was preceded in death by his brother, Robert W. Vedder. Visitation will be held on Friday, January 5, 2018, from 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. at St. Andrew's Lutheran Church, 914 West Boulevard South, Columbia, followed by a memorial service at 3:00 p.m., with Reverend Peter Rehwaldt officiating. Interment will be in the Courtyard Memorial Garden at St. Andrew's. Memorial donations are suggested to St. Andrew's Lutheran Church or to The Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital, c/o Maupin Funeral Home, 301 Douglas Boulevard, Fulton, MO 65251. Condolences may be left for the family at www.maupinfuneralhome.com.