Richard Lee Gafner, Sr. Richard L. Gafner, Sr. (75) passed away on Sunday August 16, 2009 following a short illness. Richard was preceded in death by his parents Lee R. & Maysel L. Gafner and his brother Tommy . Richard was born and raised in Springfield, MO, attending and graduating from Springfield Senior High (Central High School) in 1951. He attended and graduated from SMSU in 1955 as part of the first graduating ROTC Class. Joining the U.S. Army as a 2nd Lieutenant, Richard rose to the rank of Captain while becoming a Paratrooper and Helicopter pilot. He was a member of the 82nd Airborne Division and was in training to go to Vietnam when he was involved in a helicopter crash in November of 1964. Richard was severely injured and after a significant hospitalization Richard returned to Springfield with his wife Julia and 2 sons. Shortly after his return, Richard began what would be a successful 40 + year career in the Employment Consulting and Technical Recruitment industry. Richard spent the first 17 years of his career at Dorsey Love & Associates as a Vice President before opening his own firm, Gafner & Associates, Inc in 1985. Richard was a member of several organizations including FIPC and Inter-City Personnel Associates, (IPA). Richard was always proud of the fact that he was one of only two non-agency owners who were involved in the initial organization and founding of IPA. Richard was nationally recognized as one of the leading recruiters in the industry and received numerous awards and recognition. Richard was still active with IPA and recruiting until his passing. Richard was also a proud member of the Retired Officers Association, TEKE's and the Elk's Club. Richard is survived by his wife of 53 years Julia M. Gafner (Benson) and sons Richard, Jr. and John and his wife Debbi and by his beloved Grandson Chase. Due to his long appreciation for the mission and efforts of the Good Samaritan Boys Ranch, the family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Good Samaritan Boys Ranch so that they may continue their good work. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, August 20, 2009 in Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Wednesday in the funeral home.