Richard Fairchild
Richard H. Fairchild, age 70, of Perry, MO, passed on Friday, August 8, 2025. He was born on June 26, 1955, in San Francisco, CA, the son of Russell F. and Mary Louise (Barth) Fairchild. He married Jennifer Weber on May 10, 1997, in Quincy, IL. She survives. He has a son, Todd Fairchild, Chicago, IL.
Rich was a graduate of Quincy High School and earned an AS in Electronics from UEI, Des Moines, IA . He worked for Harris Corporation and Glenayre in Quincy prior to moving to Little Rock, AR.
It has been said, Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely without having experienced the good and some bad, but rather to slide in sideways in a cloud of dust, thoroughly used up (heart and soul), having given your all, and loudly proclaiming, “Wow! What a ride!”
Rich’s outlook on life was the same as how he played baseball. As soon as he slid in one base he could pop up and steal the next one before anyone noticed. Always wanting to learn or try something new – getting to the next base.
Anyone fortunate enough to meet Rich would say he definitely knew how to have fun and had such a passion for life. But just as equally apparent, Rich was sincere and honest. As giving and as patient as he was he was also straight forward. He had the courage to tell you when you needed to think about what you were doing. He did it because he cared about people and wanted the best for everyone. If you needed a hand Rich was there with an outstretched arm. He gave so much love and respect to so many people he got to know over the years. And because of this he was loved by all. He was a great husband to his wife, Jennifer, son to his parents, Russ and Mary, and father to his son, Todd. He was also their best friend who could share laughs and stories with them. The ability to be all these at once speaks to the quality of person he truly was. He was one of a kind.
He loved Cardinal baseball (in good years and not-so-great ones), followed Notre Dame football, and Duke basketball, appreciating great performances no matter the source. He enjoyed music, playing guitar with his buds, cooking, gardening, sports, and being around people. There are not enough words to portray the great man Rich was.
In addition to his wife and son, Richard is also survived by his mother Mary Fairchild, and siblings: Anne Bybee (Bruce) of Quincy; Russ L. Fairchild (Peggy) of Seattle, WA; Margaret Leeper (Tom) of Lima, IL; Ralph Fairchild (Mary) of Quincy; Ray Fairchild (Shirley) of Quincy; Teresa Fairchild-Light (Phil) of Sarasota, FL; Patty Klos (Leon) of Springfield, IL; Liz McReynolds (Kirk) of Hannibal, MO; and Amy Fairchild of Quincy.
Numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives also survive.
Richard was preceded in death by his father, Russ Fairchild.
** PLEASE NOTE THE DATE IS SEPTEMBER ** A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held on Saturday, September 13th, 4pm – 8pm, at Town and Country Inn and Suites, Quincy, IL. Please stop by any time during the gathering to share some stories and reconnect with friends. Donations can be made to the American Heart Association or the Humane Society.
The Duker & Haugh Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Prayers for Jen and the family
Lots of great times at Harris. May God comfort family and friends. What a great guy, he came from great parents and family! Much Love Hal
My much loved twin brother: Rich always made me laugh with his wonderful sense of humor. When Rich was around it was guaranteed you would have fun. He was such a kind person and so so loved. I was there at the beginning of Rich’s life and I was there at the end. I will always be grateful to Jennifer for allowing his siblings to be there holding him as he took his last breath. What a generous gift she gave us! Fly to Jesus, Rich. You are home. Forever your twin, Margaret
So sorry for your loss! Sending prayers.
Jenn,
Darren and I are so very sorry to hear of Rich’s passing. So many great memories with you two! I know that he was very much loved and will be missed terribly. Love you, sweet friend.
Forever, your Arkansas Connection.
Darren and Shelly Horton
We have so many memories with Rich and Jen. It was so awesome to see him, GB and Corkey play, and sing together. The Cardinals games and just spending random evenings together. It was always a great time when we got together with Rich and Jen. Family
Jenn, I’m so sorry to hear about Rich. He was the kindness man and had a smile a mile long! I’ll forever remember our chats at the Pub. RIP Rich. Much love.
I grew up with the Fairchilds and Rich was in my class at school. Very sorry for his loss. My thoughts and prayers for all the family.
Dear sweet Jen, my heart is so sad to hear of Rich’s passing. I have so many fond memories of you and Rich, and all of the good fun times we had. The Cardinal games were the best . My fondness memory will always be Rich singing. Margaritaville to me..lol
I can’t think about that song without having a big grin on my face, cause we all know “ it was all Diana‘s fault!!” I love you, Jen and I’m praying for you and all of your family and all that loved Rich.🙏🏼♥️🙏🏼
Always pleasant and fun to be around. Going to miss you Rich. Jen I’m so sorry for your loss.
Rich and I were QHS 1973 grads and we played a lot of sports together growing up. While I have not had the pleasure of spending time with him in a long time, you cross paths with a limited number of people whom you find to be a fundamentally nice person and you know will will remain so. Rich was one of those fundamentally nice guys. I am very sorry for the family’s loss.
My condolences to Rich’s family. He was a 1973 classmate and I worked with him at Harris. He always had a smile and would assist with anything you asked of him.
Teresa, I am so very sorry for your loss! Prayers for you and your family.
We were so sorry to hear of Rich’s death! I’ve known the Fairchild family almost my whole life, having grown up with them as neighbors. Such a great family! Remembering many, many games of baseball in their backyard, and kick the can in the cut de sac. Deepest condolences and many, many hugs to the entire family!❤️
I grew up with Richard in Riverside Terrace. We played softball in their backyard and there were enough Fairchilds for a team, with Russell, Richard, Margaret, and Ralph. The older kids watched out for the younger ones and they all cooperated to keep everyone safe and happy and out of trouble. There was no such thing as one Fairchild kid in trouble because if anything went wrong they were all in trouble with Dad. This was a very effective way make the kids work together to minimize troubles for everyone. I haven’t seen other families where all the kids watched out for each other quite like this.
Richard was my age, a good friend, honest, kind, a truly nice guy, fun to be around. I enjoyed talking with him (and Margaret) at our 50th high school reunion. I am sad that he is no longer with us.
So sorry for your loss of Richard. I grew up with the Fairchilds with many a good “big family” time. I do not know his wife and son but extend my sympathies for their loss. Margaret, so sorry for your double loss of brother and twin. My love and sympathy to Mary and all his loved ones. Peace to you all and God’s grace and eternal rest to Richard.
Mary Chance Hummel
Our love and thoughts are with you Jen and family! Rich was a wonderful man! Absolutely will cherish the memories we had with him! So sorry for the loss of a special man!
All our love, Bobby & Krystle
Jen, Thinking of you. and so sorry to hear about Rich. My good ole friend. We had some serious talks but more crazy talk, or was that me. So glad I met you both. Memories for life. Praying for you during this time. Crazy Carol
To all the Fairchild family .We are so sorry for the death of Rich.the Oberts grew up with the Fairchilds.Many, many good memories.Such a wonderful family.Rich will be missed by all who knew him.Kay and Ray.