Richard Alexander Funkhouser, 76, quietly passed away on Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021, at his home in O’Brien, after an extended illness. He was born to Robert and Louise Funkhouser on July 25, 1945, in Cortland, N.Y. He moved to New Port Richey, Fla., at an early age with his family and joined the Army in 1963. While serving in the Army, he was a Ranger in the 101st Airborne Division and served two tours in Vietnam. He was a welder by trade, but held various jobs as a heavy equipment operator and a long haul truck driver. Funkhouser owned and operated dump trucks; he also owned a business in O’Brien, where he had a welding and tire shop. He taught himself to play guitar at an early age, loved old country music and played with some of the country artists when they came to the Army bases overseas. He also taught himself to play dobro, banjo and the steel guitar. At one time he, his wife and two sons had a family band and played and sang gospel music at various churches. Funkhouser was a mason, a member of Pearl of the West Lodge No 146 F&AM in New Port Richey, Fla. He attended Beachville Advent Christian Church when in better health and loved to sing and play at special events held there. He is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers; a son, Taylor Funkhouser and a step-daughter, Jennifer Wallace. Funkhouser is survived by his wife of 40 years: Martha; two sons, Andrew Funkhouser, of O’Brien and Talon Funkhouser, of the home; two step-sons, Sean Wallace, of Carle Place, N.Y. and Paul Baker, of San Antonio, Texas; six grandchildren and his aunt Marie Foster, of O’Brien. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Beachville Advent Christian Church in O’Brien in his memory. Please sign the guestbook at www.danielsfuneralhome.com. Daniels Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc., Live Oak and Branford, is in charge of arrangements.
