Richard Pearman

Richard Andrew Pearman, 98, of Iola, KS, passed away Friday, Feb. 5, 2016, at his home. Richard was born March 21, 1917, at home in Wright County, Missouri, the son of Lee Ernest and Genevie Gertrude (Farmer) Pearman. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Everett, Edgar and Otis Pearman, Mary Pearman, Opal Pettit, Jewel McGie and Marie Robinson. He is survived by a number of nieces and nephews. Richard married Agnes Fern McIntyre of Humboldt, Kansas, on Sept. 7, 1938 at Yates Center, KS. They celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary in Sept. 2009 prior to Agnes'' death July 3, 2010. Richard was a musician from his youth and throughout his life. He taught himself to play harmonica, bass viol, guitar and fiddle. He also made a bass for himself. Richard, together with Agnes, was a milk hauler, home interior finisher, active in Kansas Old-Time Fiddlers, Pickers and Singers (Blue Mound, KS), musician extraordinary (Missouri State Fiddle Champion), played and led dance bands in the area for many years. He also taught children to play fiddle, repaired Iola High School band instruments, restored and repaired a myriad of musical instruments, and was active in Senior Citizens. He played for nursing homes and other benevolent organizations. Visitation will be 7:00-8:00 p.m., Tues., Feb. 9, 2016, at the Waugh-Yokum and Friskel Chapel in Iola. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Wed., Feb. 10, 2016, at the funeral home with burial to follow in Mt. Hope Cemetery in Humboldt. Memorials are suggested to Bowlus Fine Arts Center or Allen Community College Endowment Assn. and may be left with the funeral home. Go to www.iolafuneral.com to leave a condolence online.