Noah Lee Estes, 63, of Richmond, passed away unexpectedly from injuries sustained in a motorcycle/deer accident early morning on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, on his way to work.
Noah was born on October 10, 1962, in Richmond, the son of Noah Samuel and Naomi Lee (Gregg) Estes. He was united in marriage to Stephanie Ann Daugherty of Richmond on March 28, 2014; she survives of the home.
Additional survivors include: four sons: Tyler (Amy) Mitchell of St. Louis, Colton Mitchell (Shannon Peterson) of Independence, Darren (Cassie) Estes of Jasper, AR, and Marcus (Ashley) Estes of Walnut Hills, AR; seven grandchildren; brother, Rodney Estes of Richmond; and two sisters, Valerie MacDonald of Richmond and Virginia (Kirk) Craven of Hardin.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Ronald Dee Estes, and sister, Judy Foley.
Noah was raised and educated in Richmond and graduated from Richmond High School in the class of 1981. He spent most of his working years in maintenance management, first at Silver Dollar City and later with his current employer, Windland Foods/AIPC Pasta Factory in Excelsior Springs, where he had worked since 2007. Noah was a hard-working man who took great pride in providing for his family, whom he loved deeply.
When he wasn’t working, Noah found his greatest joy in the outdoors. He was an avid outdoorsman who especially loved mushroom hunting with his family. For Noah, it was never just about finding mushrooms, but about sharing them with others, often quietly giving them away to friends and family while preferring to remain anonymous. He also enjoyed deer hunting and treasured the many memories made with his loved ones in the great outdoors.
A devoted Christian man, Noah was known for his strong faith, kind heart, and protective nature toward those he loved. He was a proud and loving husband, father, brother, and “Papa,” a title he cherished most of all. His grandchildren brought immense joy to his life, and he loved spending time with his family, particularly during the holidays, his favorite being Halloween. Noah will be remembered for his generosity, his quiet strength, and the deep love he had for his family and friends.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Noah Estes Memorial Fund. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home, 507 East Main Street-P.O. Box 190, Richmond, MO 64085.
Visitation with memorial services will be held on Friday, May 22, 2026, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond, with visitation beginning at 1:00 P.M., with services to follow at 2:00 P.M. Inurnment will follow in Richmond Memory Gardens. Please remember to share your memories of Noah with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com
Source: KMZU, The Farm
