Richard “Rich” Douglas Currall

Richard “Rich” Douglas Currall, of Columbia, MO, passed away Sunday, March 24, 2019 at the age of 73. Loving husband of the late Regina Therese Currall; beloved son of the late of James and Edith Currall; devoted father of Jessica (Larry Ullman) Currall; cherished grandfather of Zoe and Sam Currall; dear brother of Gary Currall, Jim Currall, Jr. Richard is preceded in death by his brother, David Currall.

Rich was a good man, husband, father, friend, brother, uncle, grandfather, patriot, citizen, neighbor; each in turn, he took care to value relationships. He worked with deliberate intention to:

• Connect with others in the world


• Bring and celebrate joy.


• Engage in lifelong learning of loving and being loved.

Rich believed the covenant of marriage he held with Gina was magical. From their first date to their last moment when she passed (March 1, 2017), he knew what they shared was special.

He served honorably in the Army as a veteran of Vietnam, as well as commanding officer of the 332d Army Security Agency Company Stationed in Korea. In 1974 he transferred from active duty to reserves and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1992. During his Army service he received a National Defense Medal, Vietnam and Korean medals, and the meritorious service medal.

He was employed with a number of companies around the world, the names and prestige of which were of less importance to him than the cooperative collaborative partnerships he built with the people. It was a great importance to him to be able to greet someone in the manner of their custom to convey in his words and his deeds that it was his honor to learn together with them, and that leadership was founded on mutual respect.

Rich considered every child worth of respect, dignity, security, and joy, He aspired to keep child-like wonder and delight a part of his interactions and so was known for the sparkle in his eye and easy smile.

On some hot summer day, it would please him to be remembered with a root beer float.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the local food pantry of donor’s choice or to the ALS Association.