Richard "Rick" N. Gotcher, 70, of Montgomery City, Missouri, passed away on November 20, 2023, at University Hospital in Columbia, Missouri.

He was born on July 8, 1953, in Mexico, Missouri, to George and Lena Josephine (Robinson) Gotcher.

Rick was a member of the Montgomery City Masonic Lodge. Throughout his life, he embraced the wonders of nature as an avid outdoorsman. He found joy in the great expanse of the desert and had a passion for hunting, fishing, and shooting. Rick was a music lover, in particular he loved rock n roll and the blues. He adopted a song lyric from the Grateful Dead, -one we all know well- as his life's motto, "What a long strange trip it's been." And he was just glad that he got to enjoy the trip as long as he did, because he never expected to reach the age of 70. In his younger years, Rick indulged in the pleasures of life, enjoying drinks, lively parties, and spending time with friends. His large group of friends, forged during his high school years, stood the test of time, and they continued to cherish their bond, reminiscing about their shared adventures and creating lasting memories. His greatest joy was his granddaughter, Nova; he absolutely adored her. She brought an abundance of love and light into his life.

Rick is survived by his granddaughter, Nova Gotcher; brother, Jimmy Gotcher of Hawaii; Janie Gotcher of Missouri; three sisters-in-law, Joan Gotcher of California, Betty Gotcher of Missouri, and Marlie Gotcher of California; along with many extended friends and family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Cody James Gotcher; his siblings, Peggy and husband Doug Douglas, JD and wife Vera Gotcher, Eugene Gotcher, Clyde Gotcher, Bessie Lepper, and Joseph Gotcher; and sister-in-law Nina Gotcher

Funeral Services will be at 10 a.m. on Thursday, November 30, at Schlanker Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Montgomery City Cemetery.

Visitation is Wednesday, November 29 from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial donations are suggested to Montgomery City Masonic Lodge or Shriners Children's PO Box 947765 Atlanta, GA 30394 and may be sent in c/o Schlanker Funeral Home, 207 Danville Road, Montgomery City, MO 63361.