J. Richard Ytell passed away Friday, June 7, 2024, in Ozark, Missouri, at the age of 82. He was born July 11, 1941, in Joplin, Missouri, to Jack Ytell and Georgia (Thompson) Boggess.
Richard graduated from Webb City High School in 1959. He began working for Commonwealth Theaters in Columbia, Missouri, in 1960, while attending the University of Missouri, beginning a career in theater management that spanned over 40 years. He managed theaters and drive-ins in Columbia, Missouri, Lawrence, Kansas, Pine Bluff, Arkansas and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. For several years in the 1970s he managed an independent theater in Joplin, Missouri, before moving to Commonwealth’s headquarters office in Kansas City. When Commonwealth Theaters were acquired by United Artists he was transferred to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he was regional manager for the Great Lakes Region. Richard was renowned for his promotional efforts at the theaters he managed. He produced radio and newspaper advertisements for his drive-ins and theaters, holding various contests and pioneering midnight showings. He organized and was master of ceremonies for Showarama, an annual convention for the theater industry in the Midwest.
Richard married Diana Sue (Counts) in 1962. He was a devoted husband and father. Richard coached his son’s baseball teams for many years. In retirement Richard and Diana lived in Springfield and Ozark, Missouri, where he enjoyed golfing and beekeeping. He was an active member of the Beekeepers Association of the Ozarks. He also devoted much of his time to the building committee of his church.
He is survived by his wife, Diana, of Ozark, Missouri; son Jon (Marta Remmenga) Ytell of Fort Collins, Colorado; son Jeff (Alexis) Ytell of Chicago, Illinois; sister Sue (Bruce) Layton of Diamond, Missouri and grandchildren Kate (Jonathan Starr) Ytell of Englewood, Colorado, Jay Ytell and Marie Ytell of Seattle, Washington.
A Celebration of Life service is scheduled for 5:00 pm, Wednesday, June 26 at Community of Christ church, 900 E Battlefield Rd, Springfield, Missouri.
Arrangements under the care and direction of Barnes Family Funeral Home, Ozark, Missouri. Online condolences may be shared at www.barnesfamilyfunerals.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, The Alzheimer’s Association, or CASA of Southwest Missouri.
Condolences(3)-
-
-
Thomas Warren Jowett says
June 11, 2024 at 3:47 pmTo Diana and the entire family, The Jowett’s have a warm and special spot for Richard. He helped us endlessly with everything and anything. Rich was super generous with his time and talents. Plus we loved his fun humor and constant smiles. We will always remember him for his willingness to help with the building of our home. Without his presence, many of the small detail items would have been missed. He added warmth and comfort to all that he touched. Thank you for sharing Richard with us. He is a exceptional example for all. We prayed for him constantly during his cancer treatments. He was a walking miracle. May the loving Spirit that is Rich be blessed endlessly. Our love and respect go out to all. With sincere sympathy, Tom and Judy Jowett
Sarah (Parr-Weaver) Davis says
June 12, 2024 at 1:16 pmMy sympathy to Diana and family. Richard and I were classmates at Webb City High School. I did not remain in the WC/Joplin area after a few years, but attended our many class reunions of which Richard was so instrumental in organizing and keeping them alive. I am sure Webb City alumni class of 1959 will miss this treasure of a man. I offer my sincere sympathy.
Bill Birkes says
June 20, 2024 at 4:20 pmRich was liked and respected by classmates. Rich was the primary keeper of the roster for the Class of ’59 and a primary planner for the class reunions.
After high school we saw each other only a few times. Our friendship was renewed forty years later when both of us had retired to Missouri.
Rich’s humor and knowledge of trivia were enjoyable.
My sympathy to Diana and Jeff and Jon for their loss, and I lost a great friend too.