His father was in both the United States Navy and Army and later worked for the Railroad, so the family was accustomed to moving – living in Iowa, New Jersey, and Nebraska. He was the third of nine siblings, but possibly the orneriest. He often told storiesof the mischief he would get into with his brothers. As Rich grew older, it was tough to tell if the childhood stories were true or whether they were topped with a little embellishment. Rich grew up in the Christian faith and was baptized at the Central Christian Missionary Alliance Churchwhen he was a teenager. He attended Lincoln High School where he played on the baseball team.
In 1960, Rich joined the United States Navy and was stationed on the USS Twining as a Gunner’s Mate. On this destroyer he manned a 38-caliber gun mount. Rich enjoyed reminiscing and telling Navy stories to all who would listen. He was known for his baseball and boxing skills, but it was apparent from a majority of the stories that his orneriness continued throughout those Navy days, as plenty of shenanigans were pulled. He had the pleasure of serving with his brother, Terry, on the same ship for the last two years of his enlistment; although, this provided a witness to some of those shenanigans. Rich was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1964 and was extremely proud of being a sailor.
In 1962, Rich married Donna Hickenbottam and they had two children, Alliena and Charles. After discharging from the Navy, they spent a short time in Lincoln and then moved to Shreveport, LA. He would talk about his job working at the local newspaper and going fishing in the swamp. Seafood quickly became one of his favorites after living in Louisiana.
Rich later moved back to Nebraska, marrying Karen Krause on September 17, 1969 in Lincoln.Together they had one son, Ryan. In the Spring of 1973, the family moved to Shickley. Rich and Alliena shared a love for fishing and scratch tickets, while Rich and Ryan spent many hours watching dirt track races and playing baseball. Many stories came from years of family reunions and holiday get-togethers. Rich worked for Reinke Manufacturing for 15+ years painting trailers.
In his free time he painted race cars for friends and was a member of the 81 Cruisers in Geneva. Rich loved baseball and thoroughly enjoyed teaching both Ryan and his grandson, Christopher, how to pitch. Many hours were spent at the ballpark watching their games. Over the past fewyears he enjoyed watching Christopher umpire college baseball, along with hisgreat-granddaughters, Raelen and Brooklyn, play softball. He was grateful to witness three generations of ball players. In September 2020, Rich and Karen moved to Firth to be closer to Christopher and his family. He cherished the past few years, as he was able to spend more time watching his great-granddaughters participate in their numerous activities. There was no greater joy for Rich than “his girls.” You would find him coloring with them at the kitchen table, playing catch in the front yard, or enjoying their freshly baked banana bread. He never left without a big hug and “I just love you to pieces.” Richard Wymore never met a stranger. It took him hours to go grocery shopping because he’d stop and talk to everyone. He loved to visit with family, tell stories (embellished or not), and laugh. He also loved to sing. Recently, Rich and Karen would listen to Baptist hymns or old country classics on Saturday nights. You’d commonly hear him humming a tune. And always as he was leaving a family event, you’d hear him sing, “Turn out the lights. The party’s over. All good things must end.”
He is preceded in death by his parents Eugene and Thora Wymore; son Charles Wymore; son Ryan Wymore; sister Mary (Wymore) Wright; brother Robert Wymore; brother Dennis Wymore; sister Barbara (Wymore) Wohlers; and sister Debbie (Wymore) Kaufman.
He is survived by his wife Karen (Krause) Wymore currently of Firth, NE (originally of Shickley, NE); daughter Alliena Gartzke and friend Michael Gergen of Shickley, NE; grandson Christopher Gianunzio, wife Elizabeth, and great-granddaughters Raelen and Brooklyn, all of Lincoln, NE; granddaughter Tristina Taylor of Hebron, NE; sister Diane Weber and husband Don of Lincoln, NE; sister Janice (Wymore) Whitaker and husband Robert of Firth, NE; brother Terry Wymore and friend Linda Laughlin Howe of Alvo, NE; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Funeral Service with Military Honors will be held 10:30 a.m., Tuesday April 18, 2023, at Roper and Sons South Lincoln Chapel, 3950 Hohensee Dr., Lincoln (16).
Visitation will be held from 4:00-8:00 p.m., with family present from 6:00-8:00 at the funeral home on Monday, April 17, 2023.
Memorials may be given to Heroes into Homes or Shickley American Legion – Youth Baseball/Softball Program