Jared Richard "Dick" Cone, Sr.

Jared Richard Cone, Sr., better known as J. Richard "Dick" Cone, joined his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on October 21, 2026. He was 96 years old.

Dick was born in Muscatine, IA. He grew up mostly in St. Louis, MO except for a few years during WWIl when he lived with his grandmother in Muscatine. There he met his future wife, Phyllis, in a church youth group.

Dick graduated from University City High School and attended Yale University before transferring to the University of Missouri to study botany. His studies were interrupted by the Korean War. He enlisted in the Air Force, married Phyllis, and after completing a program in the Russian language, he served overseas in Military Intelligence.

After returning to the US, Dick and Phyllis had two children, Jared and Beth. They returned to Columbia., MO where he completed his degrees in Botany and Journalism, and he sang in the local barbershop quartet.

Dick worked for Monsanto in advertising and then moved to Lincoln Engineering. Lincoln sent him to Europe to establish a European sales division and later moved him to manage offices in Massachusetts and Ohio.

In retirement, Dick remained very active, becoming a Master Gardener at the Missouri Botanical Garden and an advocate for agricultural issues and healthy eating. He was a long-time member of Providence Reformed Presbyterian Church and served as an elder. He loved family trips and gatherings, attending grandchildren's events, and keeping abreast of their activities.

Dick is survived by his son Jared (Lynn) and daughter Beth Preston (Glenn), his grandchildren Luke Preston (Stephanie), Amanda Spencer, Grace Preston, Daniel Cone (Rachel), Mercy Preston, Caleb Cone (Ellie), Peace Preston (Eric), and Matthew Cone, and his great-grandchildren Tristan Kintz, Dean Kintz, Bailen Preston, Audie Preston, and Abigail Cone.

"Well done good and faithful servant." Matthew 25:21

As a service of the SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, friends may sign the family's on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.