Richard "Dick" Polson

Richard Orvil “Dick” Polson, age 74, of Ozark, passed away Sunday, January 1, 2023, after a long battle with cancer.  He was born February 1, 1948, in St. Charles, Missouri, the son of William Clyde and Gay Vernell (Everett) Polson.  After graduating from Berkley High School he served two years for the US Army.  On September 25, 1971, he and Nancy Faye Valenti were united in marriage. They were married for fifty-one years and shared a deep love. 

Dick was a portrait and caricature artist throughout his working career.  He made over 84,000 works of art. People were happy to stand in line for Dick to lovingly draw their caricature or portrait. He enjoyed making so many people happy. He was also a leather craftsman and master knifemaker.  Dick had great love, respect, and appreciation for nature and loved being out in the woods. 

Dick was a loved, amazing father, and best friend to his son, Jesse. To his sister, he was a wonderful brother and “always had my back”.   He will truly be missed by his family and friends. 

Survivors include:  His wife Nancy; his son Jesse of Ozark; a sister Linda Ennis and husband Bill of Springfield; four nephews, eight great nieces and nephews, and three great-great nieces and nephews; brothers-in-law and sister-in-law, Salvatore Valenti, and his son Joseph Valenti, Grace Valenti-Van Otteren husband Tom Van Otteren, and their daughter Raina Van Otteren.  His parents preceded Dick in death.

A Celebration of Life will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 10 at Unity of Springfield, 2214 East Seminole, Springfield, with Sue Baggett-Day officiating.  Burial will follow in Shipman Cemetery, Sparta, Missouri.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. Tuesday until service time at the church.  Arrangements are under the direction of Adams Funeral Home, Ozark.