Richard Myrick Gaffney

Richard Myrick Gaffney, 89, passed away peacefully on June 9, 2026.

Born in South Portland, Maine, on June 22, 1936, Richard dedicated his life to community, education, and leadership. His lifelong commitment to Scouting began early, earning the rank of Eagle Scout in 1952. Decades later, his enduring service to the youth of America was recognized with the prestigious Silver Beaver Award in 1995.  He was a dedicated universal donor who selflessly gave gallons of blood over his lifetime to benefit countless others. He beautifully blended his love for anthropology and education by bringing history off the page, captivated by a lifelong passion for writing and historical re-enacting. His recent, vivid portrayal of Lewis and Clark guide George Drouillard stands as a final, joyous tribute to a life dedicated to keeping history alive in the community.

Richard was a proud alumnus of the University of Maine, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in 1960 and his Master of Arts in 1961. During his college years, he served in the Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps where he learned critical leadership skills which he applied throughout his life.  He spent over two decades serving the state as a hydrologist and water resource specialist for the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Following the catastrophic Great Flood of 1993, he played a critical role in the state’s flood recovery, post-disaster planning, and floodplain management initiatives. In 2000, he served as the primary compiler and author of A Summary of Missouri Water Laws (Water Resources Report Number 51), which remains a foundational text on the state’s riparian water rights and regulatory history.

On June 12, 1961, Richard married the love of his life, Dolores Ann (Walker) Carr, in Oklahoma. Together, they shared a lifetime of devotion and partnership, just days shy of their 65th wedding anniversary at the time of his passing. He is survived by his wife, Dolores of Columbia; four children, Deonn Eliah of Jefferson City, Donovan (Ruth) Gaffney of Lacgyne, KS, Douglas (Laurie) Gaffney of Cherry Hill, NJ, David (Amy) Gaffney of Columbia; and four grandchildren, Andrew, Emily, Elias and Ian.  He was preceded in death by his parents and son-in-law, Husam Eliah.

Richard was also a man of fellowship and tradition, raised as a Master Mason in Massachusetts in 1980.  Upon moving to Missouri, he carried that spirit of brotherhood forward, remaining a dedicated member of the Jefferson City Chapter for many years.  He attended church regularly over his lifetime and had a deep Christian faith anchored by the scripture of Acts 4:12: “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” 

Visitation will be at Trimble Funeral Homes-Jefferson City on Saturday, June 13, 2026 beginning at 1:00 p.m. followed by a 2:00 p.m. memorial service.  Burial will be in Riverview Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to Scouting America.

Trimble Funeral Home is assisting our family with arrangements. trimblefunerals.com