Richard Lymond Stoddard was born on September 20, 1932 in Rigby, Idaho to Lymond and Myrtle Green Stoddard of Lorenzo, Idaho.  He passed away peacefully on September 8, 2024 in Rexburg, Idaho with his family by his side.

Richard grew up in Lorenzo as the fourth of six children. He was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and remained a faithful member throughout his life. He spent much of his childhood playing in the outdoors, hunting, fishing and swimming in the Snake River near his home, where he developed a life-long passion for wildlife and nature. He graduated from Rigby High School in 1950. In 1952 he enlisted in the US Navy during the midst of the Korean War, and served honorably until 1957.  He spent some time farming but eventually put his Navy boiler operational skills to use in a full-time career at the Rick's College Heating Plant.  It is at Rick's College where he met his cherished companion and wife of 38 years, Deon Schwendiman.  Richard retired in 1997 after 27 years of keeping faculty and students warm through those long Rexburg winters.  Instead of warming buildings and students, he continued to warm hearts and souls with love and kindness in the way he cared for others. Richard and Deon completed a church service mission locally and he continued to serve others in so many ways.

Everyone who knew Richard admired him for his infinite patience, honesty, and fantastic stories. He went to great lengths to avoid inconveniencing or hurting anyone's feelings. Richard was a life-long learner, avid reader, and became a very talented painter and writer. He was dearly loved by his family, extended family, neighbors and friends alike.

Richard is survived by his wife, Deon Schwendiman Stoddard; siblings Juanita Nyborg (Gerald), and Merlin Stoddard (Jeanne); eight children, Joy Smith (Ralph), Jana Hillman (Randy), Richard Stoddard Jr. (Nathalie), Kristine LaPlante (David), Kayleen Schulz (Rob), Douglas Stoddard, Clinton Stoddard (Margarita), and Russell Stoddard (Shelley), as well as 32 grandchildren, and 37 great-grandchildren.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents Lymond Stoddard and Myrtle Green Stoddard; his sisters Virginia Fullmer (Dale), Faye Chandler (Foster) and Lova Jensen; stepson Brian Hymas; and grandchildren JJ Pearce and Ashley Hillman.

The family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the Park St Chapel on Saturday, September 14 with the funeral service following at 11:00 a.m.

Service will be broadcasted at: https://my.gather.app/remember/richard-stoddard-2024