Condolence: Dear Nancy and family The time goes by and the hurt and sadness remain when we lose a truly loved one like Rich was to you. I hope your life is still good and blessed as you deserve all that God can provide. I'm sad, too.

Condolence: It was so nice to get to know you and reach even if it was just for a short while. We only go to know which through the times he was able to come to church. It has been a rough few years for you Nancy but the love you shared were obvious to me. I was glad that I was able to help for a while with Rick but unfortunately that changed. I will remember the one day at your house when I got you over to the couch where Rich and I were and took my suggestion and danced with you in his arms and gave you a big kiss. It was so obvious to me that ever one that enter the room knew where Rich stood with the Lord. If you weren't a Christian it he certainly planted the seed. He has many stones in his crown. Please know that we will continue keeping you in our prayers, as the days will be long for you but the Lord will lift you up, and I know he has already and you have lots of wonderful friends. With our love.

Condolence: We send our love and sorrow to you for the loss of Rich...but we know the loss is temporary, only the length of the remainder of your life. Thanks be to God for Jesus our Savior and Lord!

Condolence: Dear Nancy and family, Memories keep Bro Rich close to you in spirit and thought and always in your heart, today and forever. Thinking of you.

Condolence: Dear Nancy and Family, It has been my pleasure and honor to know, love, and receive love from Fr. Rich and Nancy. What powerful witnesses for Christ they were, giving encouragement beyond measure, and being prayer warriors who were always willing to “stand in the gap”. Though we will all miss our dear, sweet, gentle, yet “on fire for Jesus” man … I am so thankful for the seeds of the love of Christ he has planted and are still growing. He was a sincere, wise, wonderful, and godly man. Lots of love, Jill Estvold

Condolence: As I reflect on my time with Rich, I remember "All Hail, King Jesus!" -- the chorus he loved us to sing before the sermon. He was so deeply concerned with the cares and conditions of his congregation -- to the point of tears, often -- that singing a jubilant song made it a little easier for him to occupy the pulpit. Gentle, loving, sweet spirit; never dwelling on the negative, always looking for the best in everyone, always full of hope and wonder at the love of God, always inclusive -- in short, Rich was an ambassador for Christ. His impact on my life will never fail; may he be remembered always for a blessing.

Condolence: Nancy, Rich was one of the most devout Christians we ever had the privilege to know. His strong faith and love for God was an inspiration to us all. We have so many wonderful memories of his time at St John. His favorite hymn was Majesty and he would sneak that hymn in about every Sunday! To this day I get a smile on my face and think of him when we sing it. Our love and prayers to you and your family. Love, Jan and Doug

Condolence: Hello Nancy...we will always remember Rich for the gentle, compassionate man we knew at St Charles. We are the blessed ones Nancy...we have had our husbands for many decades and have all eternity to look forward too. May you feel the Lord's arm around your shoulders. love to you, Rich and Maria

Condolence: Dearest Nancy: There are not enough words to express what you and Rich have meant in my life. Rich was an awesome man of God whose love of Jesus and life of prayers changed my life and the life of many. In Jesus' love, Gloria Walters

Condolence: Nancy, we'll always remember how Rich led his church with such a gentle hand. Although we'd been in churches for years, when Bro. Rich came to St. John, he taught us more about Christian love and taking care of our families than anyone. We'll treasure the memories of our long talks and our time together. God Bless you. Tony and Sarah Jane

Condolence: Nancy--I am so sorry to hear about Rich. He loved Jesus so, and now he is in His arms. God Bless you and yours. Love, Dayna

Condolence: What a wonderful man Rich was and our lives were blessed having known him as a friend. He will be missed very much. Our love to Nancy and the entire family.

Condolence: Dear Nancy, I only knew Rich for a short time, but it was easy to see what a wonderful person he was. You were blessed to have such a special man for your husband. I know that he is standing tall in front of the lord. I always loved seeing you at SUMC. I hope you will come and visit again. love, Anne

Condolence: Dear Nancy, Rich's passing is so bittersweet! What a joy to be with Jesus, yet how sad to not have him here with us still. We love you and Rich both so much and pray that Jesus will carry you through this time of great sorrow, Nancy. You are in our prayers and hearts...always. Much love and sympathy, David & Kelly

Condolence: Dear Nancy We are all saddened to hear the news of Rich's passing. He was right at the top of the list of great pastors at Simpsonville UMC and a true friend. I wish God's continued blessings on you and your family. Love, Barbara and all the Gonda's and Chandler's.

Condolence: Dear Family, I remember Richard well. His father was one of our most beloved pastors at First Baptist Church of Chaffee, Missouri. Richard's older brother, Barton, was a star on our H.S. basketball team. Both were very much involved in our church's youth activities. Richard was my brother, Jae's, best friend through H.S. Unfortunately, when Pastor Stevens left the church and took his family elsewhere relationships were difficult to continue. I shall always remember a gentle soul with a smile on his face and a nice comment for everyone. Blessings, Mark L. Hopkins Anderson, SC Formerly a friend from Chaffee, MO

Condolence: All our love to you Nancy and family. Rich was a saint and now he's in the arms of Jesus! Praise God!

Condolence: Dear Nancy, There are no words to describe the emptiness in our hearts that has always been filled with the love Rich poured out!! He was such an extraordinary man and lived only to help people grow in Christ. He was very special to our whole family and we have been so proud to have him be godfather to Bryce for all these years. We are only sorry there had to be so many miles between us! We will continue to pray for you and your family! We love you and feel so very blessed to have had you and Rich as a part of our family all these years! Love, Robin & Mark Howard