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To watch the memorial service virtually, please click here .

Richard Karl Shimeall was born in Buffalo, New York to Donald C. Shimeall Sr. and Annie Gleason Shimeall, the fourth of six children. His parents separated in 1930, and moved to Kansas. When his mother remarried in 1935, he grew up with his stepfather George Zeller in Kansas and Iowa. He was drafted in the Army during World War II.  During his time in the Army he came to know Jesus as Lord. He served in the occupation and recovery force in the Philippines and Japan. Using the GI bill, he graduated Upper Iowa University with a degree in mathematics, and did graduate studies at Bradley University.

He spent most of his career working in the aerospace industry, employed at Jet Propulsion Laboratory before joing Hughes Aircraft for over 30 years. At Hughes, he worked on cutting-edge research projects for the United States military, many of which are in use today. After retiring from Hughes, he ended his career at Titan Linkabit in San Diego. During his career, Dick was a leader with the local chapter of the American Institute for Aeronautics and Astronautics.

Over Labor Day 1955, Richard went to a Christian camp, where he saw a young woman (Joan Hebdon) crossing the grounds.
The Lord whispered in his ear "that's the woman you are going to marry." He responded, "But Lord, she doesn't have red hair!"
The Lord said "No, that is her." He responded "But Lord, she's smoking."
The Lord said "That's her."
On Nov. 18, 1955, he wedded her as his beloved wife. They built a life together near Los Angeles before settling in Anaheim, California. They had three children: Stephen, Timothy, and Melissa (Lisa). He also nutured and helped raise his niece, Paula Zeller. He opened his home to a ward, Francisca (Panchita) Hernandez. His home was frequently open to those in need, to stay for extended periods of time.

During their years in Anaheim, Richard was called to serve the local children during 30 years on the School Board for Magnolia Elementary School District, where he improved the education and lives of thousands of children. He was a passionate advocate for high-quality teaching even in challenging financial conditions, reflected in his leadership in the California Association of Low-wealth School Districts. His service was recognized by the California State Senate and Assembly.

Dick led Boy Scout Troop 526 as Scoutmaster, Committee chairman, and representative to Stellar Trails scouting district and Orange County Council. He received both the Silver Beaver and Award of Merit.

His love of the outdoors was reflected in his passion for camping and backpacking. He led groups (both scouting and church) on many trips throughout the Western United States. He expecially loved the Grand Canyon, enjoying multi-day backpacking trips there seven times. He loved the Sierra Nevada, reaching the peak of Mt. Whitney three times (once with his future son-in-law). He climbed Mt. Shasta among many other peaks. He and his wife loved travel, visiting New Zealand, Great Britain, and every state of the Union except for Hawaii. A highlight was attending many reunions with his extended family, loving the humor and fellowship with his siblings and their decendents.

Dick served his Lord as an elder at St. Paul's Presbyterian Church of Anaheim and at the First Presbyterian Church of Westminster, California. Dick was a wonderful Bible teacher and he always shared scripture in the evenings around the campfire and under the star-filled skies. He was passionate in support of missions, actively supporting many different outreaches financially, opening their home to host missionaries on furlough, and participating in mission trips to India and Kenya. He rarely let a day go by without reading his Bible, despite many responsibilities.

In his retirement years, Dick and Joan moved to Magnolia, Texas, settling with their daughter and her family. He was actively involved in Grace Presbyterian Church of the Woodlands, known for picking up recycling and distributing hugs. He passed away on September 15, 2023, preceded in death by his beloved wife, his parents, two brothers, and two sisters. He is survived by his sister (Kay Zeller), his three children and their spouses, fourteen grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Flowers may be sent for the family, or donations may be made to either of the following mission organizations:

Wycliffe Bible Translators, Inc.

P.O. Box 628200

Orlando FL 32862

Pioneers

10123 William Carey Dr.

Orlando FL 32832

For the ministry of Krystal Watson – Account #112942