Howard P. Richter

Sunday, February 3, 2008 a chair opened up at the big euchre game in heaven and Howard Richter departed Mascoutah.


In the heat of the summer Friday, July 31, 1914 Howard P. Richter was born on a farm in Mascoutah, the first son of Harrison and Laura (Riess) Richter. (Howard was the last surviving brother of sister Berdell Mattern, and four brothers Richard, Eugene, Robert, and Charles.


Howard graduated from the eighth grade and took his place of responsibility on the family farm. Learning from his father how to tend to the fields, raise cattle, pigs, chickens and butchering.


One day Howard pulled his horse and buggy into the White Top Inn (Mascoutah) to get something cold to drink where he met a young lady cashing her check from the dress factory, Thelma Renth. Monday July 27, 1936, at 21, he took her as his bride. Later the following year Thelma proudly began their family of three sons and a daughter - Norbert, Janice Dameron, Dennis, and Roger. Howard is preceded in death by his dedicated wife Thelma, the apple of his eye, his lovely daughter Janice Dameron, a grandson Keith Richter and daughter-in-law Nancy Richter.


Always ready to lend a hand, ready to help everyone, Howard was a wonderful butcher. In the winter months everyone would go farm to farm, helping everyone provide fresh meat, butchering for their families. No one could season sausages better in four counties with his measurements in the palm of his hand.


Dedicated to his community Howard served on the Mascoutah School Board for sixteen years. Serving as president in 1965, the year the corner stone was laid for the Mascoutah Middle School. A member of the Loyal Order of the Moose for 60 years, Mascoutah Sportsman’s Club, Saint Clair County Farm Bureau, Shiloh Valley Grange and the Brotherhood of St. John UCC.


In 1843 Howard’s grandmother, Caroline Richter was one of the original 25 founding
families of Saint John United Church of Christ in Mascoutah. Howard remained a member his entire life.


With a zest for life and passion for family and friendship, Howard was always ready for a healthy game of euchre and a good joke.


Proud to have his blood running through our veins and carry on his name are his three sons - Norbert (Brenda) Richter Mascoutah, Dennis (Janice) Richter Belleville, Roger (Rita) Richter Mascoutah, son in law Charles (Debbie) Dameron, twelve grandchildren - Nancy (Louis) Schubert Mascoutah, Deana (BJ) Campbell Tennessee, Perry Dameron, Mark Dameron, Kyle Dameron all of California, Bryan (Lisa) Richter Tennessee, Julie Richter California, Jamie (Dan) Mobley Nebraska, Laura (Chad) Yarber Mascoutah, Megan Richter Pennsylvania, Audrey Richter Kentucky, Lauren Richter Mascoutah, ten great grandchildren - Kelly (Nathan) Schuetz, Alexander Schubert, Jacob and Justin Campbell, Jeffery and Zachary Dameron, Nicholas and Taryn Richter, Payton Yarber and William Mobley, and one great great grandson Jacob Schuetz.


Always ready for a political debate, Howard would appreciate it if you vote Republican.


Memorials may be made to St. John United Church of Christ or Family Hospice.


Visitation: Visitation will be from 4 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2008 and from 7:30 to 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 7, 2008 at the Moll Funeral Home in Mascoutah, then at the church on Thursday from 12 noon until the time of service.


Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday at St. John United Church of Christ in Mascoutah with the Rev. Hugh Fitz officiating. Burial will be in Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, IL.