Richard “Rich” Earl Rayfield, 76, died July 21, 2021 at his home in Fenton, Missouri with family members and his dog by his side. He was born on October 25, 1944 in Ironton, Missouri to the late Lela Mae and Timon Rayfield.

Rich was a graduate of Southwest High School in 1962. He married Elaine Becker in 1965. They had two daughters, Cheri Elizabeth and Lauri Lynn.

Later in life, Rich married the love of his life, Jo Ann Forthman on September 14, 1981. At that time, Rich expanded his family to include Jo Ann’s children, David “Dave” Frederick and Shelley Lee.

After Rich and Jo Ann retired from Survival Technology, they owned and operated Rayfield’s Antiques and Furniture Refinishing & Upholstery. During this career together, they enjoyed making a multitude of new acquaintances, and many became lifelong friends. They enjoyed traveling with his cousin, John Haggett and wife Shirley. He was humbly proud of the number of National Parks he was able to visit and enjoy in his lifetime.

Rich loved to talk, fish, hunt, make his famous barbeque and had an incredible memory for jokes and useless trivia knowledge. His big heart and generous nature led him to be active in his church, road association and was a leader of the Care Givers community.

Rich is survived by his loving wife, Jo Ann Rayfield. His children Cheri (Scott) Thiel, Lauri Rayfield, Dave (Kathy) Wiethop, Shelley (Tim) Harper, 15 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren. He was proceeded in death by his brother, David Rayfield.

We will gather to celebrate Rich’s life on Monday, July 26th at 12:00pm with a Memorial service at 1:00pm at St. Louis Cremation, 2135 Chouteau Ave, St. Louis, MO 63103. Rich was not a suit and tie guy and you don’t need to wear one to say goodbye.

The family suggests memorial contributions to the American Heart Association.