Richard Moore Hunolt

Mr. Richard Moore "Rick" Hunolt, age 77, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away on Sunday, February 20, 2022, at his home surrounded by his loving family. Rick was born on April 10, 1944 in Quincy, Ill., the son of Richard Eugene and Helen (Moore) Hunolt. He married Connie Lane Salmons in 1965, and to this union his two children were born. Rick found love once again and married Sylva Odell (Schmutz) Blank Hunolt on August 2, 1976 in Jefferson City, Mo., who survives at the home. Rick attended elementary school at St. Joseph Catholic School and high school at Edina High School in Edina, Mo. After graduation he joined the United States Navy where he bravely served our country for two years as active duty and three years in the reserves. Rick went on many tours including Operation Deep Freeze at the South Pole. Rick worked for the fire department in both Columbia and Fulton where he was a driver. He was the owner and operator of Schmutz Mobile Home Transporting. Rick climbed the ranks with the Missouri Department of Corrections, eventually retiring as Training Officer at Algoa Correctional Center. He worked at several prisons throughout Missouri including Algoa, Pacific and Cameron prisons. Rick enjoyed being outdoors and could often be found playing golf where he had his name on the wall at Oak Hills Golf Course for having a Hole-In-One during a tournament. Rick also liked camping, canoeing, and all sports, especially baseball and racquetball. Rick played on many prison staff baseball teams and was a part of the championship team in Cameron where he also earned the MVP title. Rick stayed busy no matter where he was. More than anything, he cherished the time spent and memories made with his family. He looked forward to playing Back-Alley-Bridge during family holiday gatherings. He often planned family float trips that everyone looked forward to attending. Rick adored his grandchildren and rarely missed a chance to "rub the fuzz off of them". Together, they all loved going camping and canoeing, spending weeks together at a time, having "I love you" text wars, and never failing to give the biggest and loudest birthday cards. Rick had a quiet and humble soul and a larger than life heart. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Survivors include: his loving wife, Sylva Odell; two children, Richard Lynn Hunolt and wife Sonja of Jefferson City, Mo., and Christy Diehl and husband Todd of Jefferson City, Mo.; three step-children, Holly Branning of Colorado, Tracy Lynn Blank of Jefferson City, Mo. and Gary Richard "Ricky" Blank of Jefferson City, Mo.; three siblings, Steve Hunolt, Carol Muir, and Bruce Hunolt; eight grandchildren, Jake, Kaleigh, Bailey, Hayley, Karley, Holynn, Connor, and Payton; and three great-grandchildren. Rick was preceded in death by his parents. Visitation will be held at Freeman Mortuary on Monday, February 28, 2022 from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life will be conducted in the Freeman Chapel immediately following the visitation at 2:00 p.m. with the Reverend Steve Buchholz officiating. A webcast of the service will begin at 2:00 p.m. Monday for friends that are not able to attend by going to his memorial page on Freeman Mortuary's website. Friends may mail sympathy cards to the funeral home or leave condolences online to be given to his family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Kindred Hospice, 1616 Southridge Drive, #201, Jefferson City, MO 65109. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary. www.freemanmortuary.com