Richard L. Embree

Richard Leroy Embree, 69, passed away January 20, 2023, at Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville, MO. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, April 21, 2023 with a memorial service at 11 a.m. at McLaren’s Resthaven Chapel in West Des Moines. Burial with full military honors will follow at Iowa Veterans Cemetery, 34024 Veterans Memorial Drive, Adel, IA 50003.

Richard was born April 21, 1953, in Des Moines, IA, to Leland Francis and Wanda Jeanne Marie Peterson. He was united in marriage to Sally Thomas Coffey on September 21, 2006, in Arnold, MO. After his education in Des Moines, he served in the United States Marine Corps. Richard was employed with AT&T for over 30 years in Des Moines and St. Louis, retiring in 2019. He and Sally have resided in La Plata, MO, since 2020. Richard enjoyed working outdoors, fishing, and spending time with his family.

Richard’s twin brother shared: “Richard touched a lot of lives. I loved his humor, his investigative intelligence, and his caring deeply about others when they weren’t aware of it. He loved his wife deeply. He loved his sons way more than they knew, always wanting and hoping the best for each one of them. He was great at Grandpa Duties. I always enjoyed my brother’s friendship; we could talk for hours about anything. Our hearts are broken in grief to lose such a great husband, father, grandfather and brother.”

Richard is survived by his wife, Sally of La Plata, MO; three children, Jason Embree of St. Louis, MO, Eric (Kat) Embree of St. Louis, MO, and Andrew Embree of Arnold, MO; three step-children, Billy Coffey of Coatsville, MO, Beth (Bill) VanderVeer of Centerville, IA, and Clint (Shayla) Coffey of Macon, MO; one twin brother, Robert Embree of Des Moines, IA; one sister, Kristie Embree of Des Moines, IA; three grandchildren, Alex, Zoey, and Fiona Embree; two step-grandchildren, Evelyn and Whitley Coffey; and one nephew Stephen Embree of Des Moines, IA. He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Sue Grim; and two brothers, Jim and Paul Embree.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation, Support Brain & Behavior Research (bbrfoundation.org).