Richard Lee Eli, of Omaha, passed away on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at Cox Medical Center in Branson, Missouri.  He was 57 years old.

The son of Gerald William and Feba Ray (Staatz) Eli was born on May 4,1967 in Fort Morgan, Colorado.

Richard was a proud father — his son, Ryan, meant everything to him. That bond between them was something truly special. When Ryan passed away, it broke Richard's heart in a way that never quite healed. He carried that loss with him every day, but he also carried the love — always.

He was also a proud grandfather to his granddaughter, Braelynn. She brought him so much joy, and it was clear how deeply he cherished that role in her life. Richard loved his family fiercely. He was known for having a big heart, the kind of person who showed up, who cared deeply, and who gave without hesitation.

If the sun was shining, chances were good that Richard was out at his favorite fishing hole or out on the water in his boat — his happy place. He also loved playing basketball and staying active. He had a way of finding joy in the simple things, and it was contagious to be around him.

Richard had a strong belief in helping others. He was the kind of guy who would pull over to offer a ride to someone walking along the road, no questions asked. He didn't just do good — he taught it. He passed those values on to Ryan and to his friends, encouraging them to be generous, kind, and aware of the people around them.

Now, Richard is with his son again — and there's something comforting in that thought. The love he gave, the lessons he taught, and the way he lived — all of that lives on in the people who knew him and loved him. May he now rest in peace.

He was preceded in death by his son, Ryan Eli; his mother, Feba Eli; his paternal grandparents, Gerald and Ethel Eli; and his maternal grandmother, Susie Staatz.

Survivors include his wife, Tricia Eli, of Green Forest, AR; one granddaughter, Braelynn Smith; his father, Gerald Eli, Jr., of Omaha, AR; brother, Gerald (Patricia) Eli, III, of Omaha, AR; sister, Luella (Eric) Perryman, of Blue Eye, MO; sister, Jeannie Crouch, of Branson, MO; sister, Becky Jo (James) Blythe, of Russellville, AR; sister, Sherrie Lambert, of Ozark, MO; brother, Vinny (Audrey) Eli, of Omaha, AR; and a host of nieces and nephews.