Richard Earl Bliss, age 75, of Branson, MO.

Richard Earl Bliss, age 75, of Branson, MO, passed from this earthly home and into the arms of the Lord January 2, 2025. He was born March 4, 1949, in Los Angeles, CA, the son of Wesley Earl and Mary Catherine Elizabeth (Parkhurst) Bliss. Richard was joined in marriage July 24, 1970, to the love of his life, Janet Ritchie. To this union, Richard and Janet were blessed with: four children, sixteen grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and two godchildren.

Richard proudly served our country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. After his service to the country he loved, Richard dedicated his working career to being a videographer, most notably to The Precious Moments Chapel near Carthage, Missouri. He was assistant and friend to Sam Butcher, founder of the chapel.

Having never met a stranger, Richard loved people and his family. As a believer in the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Richard always encouraged those around him, speaking words of kindness and love to others. He treasured the years he devoted to his wife, Janet, his family and the young lives he impacted coaching youth sports. In their spare time, Richard and his family created many memories on their roadtrips to Yosemite, Big Bear, and many other destinations. His other love was attending his grandkids’ events and watching the Los Angeles Dodgers in person with his sons and grandchildren. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Carthage and the Carthage Optimist Club, where he was a loyal servant to the community. Richard’s love for his Lord, his family, and others he encountered will be remembered for generations.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers: Stephen Bliss and Jerry Bliss; and a sister-in-law, Sherry Bliss.

Richard is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Janet Bliss of the home; four children and their spouses: Brandon and April Bliss of Point Lookout, MO, Mike and Celeste Bliss of Branson, MO, Kevin Bliss of Branson, MO, and Andrea and Dave Hollmann, also of Branson, MO; sixteen grandchildren: Makenna, Zachary, Jackson, Stephen, Kailey, Elijah, Hallie, Josh, Jonas, Kendall, Madelyn, Ethan, Sophia, Blake, Riley and Nora; two godchildren: Savannah and Tyler; six great-grandchildren: Christopher, Emberly, Holiday, Miles, Malcolm and Archie; a brother, Bob Bliss; a sister, Carolyn Bliss; a niece, Shelly; and a nephew, Greg.

A celebration of Richard’s life with full military honors will be held 3:00 p.m. Thursday, January 9th, 2025, at Hamner’s Variety Theatre, 3090 Shepherd of the Hills Expwy, Branson, MO, with Pastor Dave Hamner officiating. Cremation and services are under the direction of Cremations of the Ozarks, Hollister, Missouri. To leave a condolence message or share a memory of Richard, please visit www.cremationsoftheozarks.com.