Richard David Pace

Richard David Pace

1945-2025

Richard David Pace (Rick), born February 10, 1945, in Kansas City, Missouri, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, August 29, 2025, in the Emergency Room at Veterans Hospital in Columbia, Missouri. He was the only child of the late William and Dorothy (Wilkes) Pace. His family finds great comfort in knowing that his life partner, Norma Johnson, was by his side when he passed.

Rick and Norma met on Christian Mingle and became life partners in 2012. After retiring in Omaha, they found their new home at the Lake of the Ozarks in Sunrise Beach, Missouri. The location held special meaning for Rick, who spent many summers there in his youth and wanted to share its beauty with Norma in their later years. They enjoyed boating, activities with friends, and the home they built with its beautiful lake view. They were also active members of West Lake Christian Church, where the congregation became like a second family to them.

Rick graduated from Park Hill Senior High School in Kansas City, Missouri, class of 1963. Then enlistment. Rick was proud of his service in the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1969, where he was honorably discharged as a Sergeant (E-5). He served as a Chief Clerk and Personnel Sergeant at the 13th Field Hospital and was a recipient of the Army Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service and the Good Conduct Medal. Following his military service, Rick pursued higher education, earning an associate degree in Business Administration from Metro Community College and continuing his studies at Rockhurst College, both in Kansas City, Missouri. He went on to hold various professional licenses in insurance and finance for over 25 years, a commitment he maintained through ongoing continuing education.

Throughout his career, Rick was an insurance underwriter with Aetna/Cigna, and an agent with Woodmen of the World. He later became a financial advisor with American Express/Ameriprise Financial, where he was recognized as a member of the Million Dollar Round Table in 2002.

Beyond his professional achievements, Rick was a dedicated and passionate person. He was a Boy Scout himself and later served as a Scout Master for Troop 374 and an Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 91, encouraging his son to become an Eagle Scout. His grandson is also a scout today. Rick had a lifelong love for classic cars, a hobby he shared with his son, David, as they spent time restoring cars together. His most recent project was a 1984 Mustang GT 350 convertible, a rare model of which only 670 were made. Rick's meticulous preservation work on the car earned him several trophies at car shows.

Rick will be deeply missed by his family and friends, who admired his positive spirit, courage, forever smile, unwavering faith, and love of family. He is survived by his life partner Norma, three children: David Pace (Lisa), Jennifer DeVeney Jorgensen (Casey), and Amara Pace; and four grandchildren: Marlo Pace, Drake Pace, Aubrey DeVeney, and Melina Jorgensen. Rick was grateful to his former wives, Kim Terry and Karen Kumpf, for the wonderful children they raised together. He is also survived by his beloved Golden Doodle, Sandy.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to Medical Missions for Christ (1974 N. Business Route 5, Camdenton, MO 65020).

Two memorial services will be held to honor Rick's life:

Saturday, September 20 at West Lake Christian Church on Highway O, Laurie, Missouri.

Service at 2:00 p.m., followed by military honors and a meal at the church.

Sunday, September 28 at St. Timothy Lutheran Church, 93rd and Dodge, Omaha, Nebraska.

Service at 2:00 p.m., followed by a Heavenly 80th Birthday Party.

Rick’s ashes will be buried at a later date in the Pace family section of Plainview Cemetery in Chula, Missouri.

Arrangements are under the direction of Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home, Camdenton, Missouri