Rick Killday Daniel Richard “Rick” Killday, 66, of Columbia passed away peacefully Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, while residing at The Lodge in Fayette, where he was lovingly cared for (and occasionally kept in line) after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

He was born Dec. 19, 1958, in Quincy, Ill., the son of the late Robert A. and Shirlene (Morehead) Killday.

Rick grew up as a small child in LaGrange before moving to Kirksville, where he graduated in 1977 from Kirksville Senior High School.

He married his wife, Judy (Bahr) Killday, his eighth-grade sweetheart, who still lives in their Columbia home after 48 years of marriage — proof that miracles do happen.

Other survivors include his daughter, Kari Hutchison (Chris Hernandez); son, Matthew Killday (Casey); grandchildren, Morgan (Ethan), Chloe and Jaxon; and greatgrandchildren, Derek, Willow, Dane and Lainey.

He also is survived by a small army of siblings: Karen (Dave) Shelledy, Teresa Roberts, Lori (Glen) Eitel, Lisa (Bob) Anderson, Susie (Anthony) Kitchen, Karla Killday and Kelly (Matt) Holt, as well as brother Robert F. Killday. Extended family members who survive include his sisters-in-law, Ruth (John) Thomas, Janeen Bahr, Terry (Tom) Breidenstein, Sandi Bahr and Susan Nolte; and brother-in-law, Charles (Kathy Kreutzer).

In addition, he leaves behind 15 nieces, 23 nephews, and 54 great-nieces and nephews, most of whom can thank Rick for teaching them a few “colorful” phrases on the golf course.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Mike Killday; brothers-in-law, Mitch Roberts, Bob Bahr, David Bahr and Barry Baker; and sisters-inlaw, Chris Killday and Donna Baker.

While attending Northeast Missouri State University (now Truman State University) and Indian Hills Community College in southeast Iowa, Rick worked weekends with his father and uncles in utility line work. He developed a lifelong passion for that field and earned his journey lineworker accreditation while employed with the Houston (Texas) Lighting & Power Co. He later returned to Missouri with his family and devoted 30 years to Ameren, where he worked his way up from the lines to construction supervisor of Boonville/Moberly; and eventually, superintendent and construction supervisor roles in Jefferson County, Ellisville, Dorsett and St. Charles.

Rick was a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, the best grandpa and friend, known equally for his generosity and ability to say volumes with a grunt. He loved golf (and betting on golf), time at the lake, traveling and watching the Chiefs.

He and Judy attended The Crossing Church in Columbia, where he showed up faithfully — mostly because Judy said she wasn’t saving him a seat in heaven otherwise.

Rick had a signature cricket whistle that could stop conversations, start laughs, order a beer or summon you from across a parking lot — and even when Alzheimer’s tried to take everything else, that whistle occasionally came out.

Rick gave his heart, time, and money to others quietly and often. He picked up every check and was the first person you would call if you were doing a big project or needed help moving — or someone to a drink beer and watch while you did a big project or moved.

Per Rick’s request years ago, he will be cremated and his life will be celebrated with family and friends sharing memories, stories and probably a few bad jokes.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that expressions of sympathy (and unpaid bets) be made as donations to The Lodge Assisted Living Facility in Fayette or Good Shepherd Hospice out of Marshall, both of which were instrumental in keeping him comfortable, cared for and just grumpy enough to still be Rick.