RICHARD (DICK) RAYMOND KUTZ

Richard (Dick) Raymond Kutz, 80, of Joplin passed away on July 22, 2025. He was born in Sarcoxie on June 25, 1945; the fourth of six sons born to Ben and Freda Kutz. 
His family moved to Pierce City in May 1950, where he attended St. Mary’s grade school and Pierce City High School, graduating in 1963. During his high school years, the town was painted with his artwork. He also helped his dad at the Kutz Standard Service station on West Commercial and delivered both the Joplin Globe and Monett Times newspapers. He earned letters in football, basketball, and track at PCHS and was captain of the football team in his senior year. He followed in the footsteps of his brother, Ben, who was captain the prior year. He graduated from Southwest Missouri State in 1968 and began a five-decade career teaching art in the Mt. Vernon, Pierce City, and Diamond school districts. 
He married Karen Helga Lauritson Brown on Dec. 12, 1980.
He designed and painted the Eagle logo in the Pierce City gym and the Bear logo in the Sarcoxie gym. While at PCHS, he also served as Athletic Director, head football coach, and track coach. After retiring from teaching, he served on the Pierce City school board for two terms.
He is survived by his wife, Karen; his sons, Rick Kutz of Ardmore, Okla. and Fred Kutz of Springdale, Ark.; stepsons, Doug Brown of Fishers, Ind. and Jeff (Donna) Brown of Alton; his brothers, Ben (Yvonne) Kutz of Columbia, Jim (Ann) Kutz of Richmond, Va., and Tom (Karla) Kutz of St. Louis; his sister-in-law, Linda Kutz of Brooklyn Park, Minn.; eight grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Don and Ken; infant sister, Mary Ann; and sisters-in-law, Dee Kutz and Betty Kutz. 
A graveside service will be at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 16, at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery; with Father Matt Rehrauer officiating.
Memorials may be made, in his memory, to the Pierce City School Art Department. Arrangements under the personal care and direction of Lakin Funeral Home in Pierce City.