Richard Daryl "Purvis" Andrews, 77, passed away on Thursday, August 26, 2021, at his home in Fair Grove, Missouri.

He was born March 15, 1944, in Kansas City, KS. He graduated with a teaching degree from Missouri State University where he was a member of the SMSU wrestling team and then joined the United States Army.  He coached the US International Wrestling team along with wrestling internationally. Richard taught in Hartville and Republic before opening several small businesses in Southwest Missouri. He coached several boys and girls high school teams from basketball to volleyball. Richard was also the Evangel University head wrestling coach and assistant football coach and president of the SMSU wrestling committee. His favorite coaching experience was coaching his children's softball, baseball, and basketball teams.  He returned to teaching in Nixa before retiring, and making his family his full-time job.

Preceding him in death were his parents Vera, and Wayne Andrews, and Parmata Richard Purvis; sisters, Darlene Purvis, Dollie Purvis, Holly Purvis; brothers, Larry Andrews, Paul Purvis, Richard L Purvis, Samuel Purvis, Peter Purvis, and P. Rex Purvis.

Survivors include his children, Richard "Andy" Andrews and wife Renee; daughters Tanya Barnett and husband Curtis;  and Crystal Andrews. Grandchildren; Aaron Andrews, Timberlyn Barnett, Noah Haggard, Tyler Barnett, Zander Kuszewski, Tayton Andrews, and Elyana Andrews. His brothers Pat Purvis, P. Rod Purvis, P. Randy Purvis, Pace Purvis, P. Rally Purvis, and James Andrews. His sisters Heather Purvis Adams, Paige Purvis Westbury, and Dana Purvis Risher. Richard had many loving nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

Visitation will be from 6-8 pm on August 30, 2021, at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, 1947 E Seminole St. Springfield, MO. A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m.Tuesday, August 31, 2021, at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, 5201 S Southwood Rd. Springfield, MO.