Richard Haigwood Obituary

Richard grew up in Alton and graduated from AHS in 1965, and after some college he served our country, honorably in the US Army as a medic, spending that time in Korea and Vietnam. Richard owned and operated Haigwood Excavating and taught heavy equipment in winter months in Kansas City, MO until he got his back hurt. Richard decided to go into insurance in ’96 and started with an agency in West Plains, MO. In 2000 Richard purchased his book of business and began Haigwood Insurance Agency in Alton. Having the “gift of gab”, Richard was in his element and people who knew him, will tell you that Richard took care of “all” his clients, and most were like family to him. He never knew a stranger and would talk to anyone who would listen. AS a matter of fact, our kids would always ask, “does Dad know everyone?” He pretty much did and truly enjoyed being around people as he loved sharing stories and most definitely “tall tales”, little did people know that those tales were true. Richard was a “bit ornery” growing up, but he paid his debt back to the community by being Mayor for 16 years. It was important to him to do the “right thing,” for the community and regardless of what was ever said, Richard followed the rules and anyone that worked with him can tell you that “everyone else” did too, as there were no exceptions, no matter who it was. Richard was a loving husband, Dad and grandpa and he loved his family more than life. He was a Christian and knowing that, gives his family comfort, knowing this is not “goodbye but, See you later!”