Richard Francis Bax, 81, of St. Elizabeth, passed away on Saturday, April 3, 2021. He was born on August 26, 1939 in St. Elizabeth, MO; a son of the late Samuel Henry and Augusta Margaret (Verhoff) Bax. He was united in marriage on September 10, 1960, in St. Elizabeth, to Ramona Marie Bode, who survives at the home.

Richard was a graduate of St. Elizabeth High School. He served in the United States Army Reserves (1957-1970) and in the Missouri Army National Guard in (1983-1999). He retired from the Missouri Army National Guard in August 1999. In addition to serving in the military, Richard was a truck driver for 20+ years, worked for the State of Missouri for 13 years, and was a farmer all his life. He was an active member of the St. Lawrence Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, American Legion, and the Holy Name Society. Richard cherished spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Richard's survivors include three sons and one daughter, John (Kerry) Bax, Westphalia; Charles (Pam) Bax, Jefferson City; Glenn (Denise) Bax, Tuscumbia; and Stacy Bax (Donnie Witt), Holt Summit. He was preceded in death by one daughter and three sons, Myra Jane Bax, Joseph Bax, Gerard Bax, and Jude Bax.

He is survived by ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, Tyler (Carole) Bax; Samantha (Josh) Gass; Parker Bax; Jaycine Bax; Chelsea Bax; Joshua Bax; Tryston Bax; Dawson Brown; Chris Bax; Alyssa Bax; Jack Columbo; Elijah Gass, Annabelle Gass, Amberle Gass, Evelyn Gass, and the sixth great-grandchild is on the way.

Surviving siblings include: James (Theresa) Bax, High Hill; Robert (Sharon) Bax, St. Charles; Evelyn (Joe) Loethen, Jefferson City; Rosetta (Eddie) Sommers, Jefferson City; and Rosanna (Gene) Bisges, Wardsville.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 7, 2021, at the
St. Lawrence Catholic Church, St. Elizabeth, MO.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the St. Lawrence Catholic Church. Entombment will be in the St. Lawrence Cemetery.

Facial masks are required for those attending the visitation and funeral mass.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the St. Lawrence Cemetery Trust.

Arrangements are under the direction of Fancher-Rekus Funeral Home in St. Elizabeth.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.fancher-rekusfuneralhomes.com .