Richard C. Thompson, 88, passed away peacefully on September 9, 2013, at Westside Healthcare in Springfield, Missouri. Richard was preceded in death by his first wife, Caroline Gustin Thompson, and his parents, Mattie Radcliff and Willis Thompson. Richard was a graduate of the US Naval Academy and earned an MBA from Harvard. Following a stellar career in the Navy including a tour of duty in Korea, Richard distinguished himself in the business world. A major accomplishment was his involvement with bringing the Lily Tulip plant to Springfield. Richard was an avid Cardinals fan, raised American Saddlebred Horses, and served many years with the Springfield Charity Horse Show. At the time of his death, he was a member of St. John's Chapel UCC in Springfield. Richard loved family, football, all things Navy, laughter, and chocolate. He touched many lives and will be greatly missed. Richard is survived by his second wife, Mary Margaret (Haworth-Rutledge) Thompson, his two daughters, Pam Thompson and Patty Martinez, stepchildren David Rutledge and wife Kathy, Julie Woodward and husband Jimmy, grandchildren Richard Thompson and AJ Martinez, step-grandchildren Jennifer Rutledge, Laura Woodward, John Woodward and wife Katie, sister Jewel Schweitzer, and brothers Charles Thompson and Wilburn Allen. A graveside service with military honors will be held at the Missouri Veteran's Cemetery in Springfield, Missouri, at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September, 18, 2013, with Reverend Kemery Baldwin officiating. No visitation is planned, but guests may register at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home or online condolences may be given at www.gormanscharpf.com. Memorial donations in lieu of flowers may be made to St. John's Chapel UCC, 4344 South Fremont, Springfield, MO 65807.