Richard Zaunbrecher, Jr...

Richard Zaunbrecher, Jr...

Richard Zaunbrecher, Jr. passed away unexpectedly from injuries sustained in an accident near Burlington, Arkansas. He was a cherished father and brother and will be greatly missed.

Born Richard Aaron Zaunbrecher, Jr. on May 24, 1962 in Lafayette, Louisiana, he was one of three children born to Richard Zaunbrecher, Sr. and Winnie (Hebert) Zaunbrecher.  He grew up in Louisiana surrounded by family and graduated high school there.  He proudly served four years in the United States Army and carried his duty to and love of country throughout his whole life.

Richard graduated from Ultrasound Diagnostic School in Pompano Beach, FL in 1992. He worked tirelessly perfecting his craft under the tutelage of Vascular and Cardiac surgeons throughout his 32 year career as a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer. He became an expert in his field. Helping his patients was his calling.

It was also during this time he began his family and was the proud father of three wonderful kids.  Richard lived in various places during his life including Louisiana, Florida and Texas before moving to the Ozarks in 2006 and spending time in both Missouri and Arkansas.  He enjoyed working at Skaggs Community Hospital in Branson; hospitals and clinics in Harrison and Siloam Springs as well as being a traveling sonographer.

Richard will be remembered for his outgoing personality and all the love he gave. He enjoyed spending time around people, hosting get-togethers, and was an amazing cook.  His presence filled a room with his fun and loud demeanor. Being with him was always the best. In the moments he had to himself, he enjoyed listening to music, following podcasts and the freedom of the open road on his motorcycle.

For his next adventure he planned to travel on his bike to each podcaster's location throughout the Ozarks and neighboring states. His goal was to meet those podcasters in person sharing stories and antics; as well as sharing how much each had made an impact on his life.

Richard leaves behind his children, Caitlin Zaunbrecher of Merrillville, IN; Shelby Smith and husband Spencer of Springfield, MO and Dalton Zaunbrecher of Ozark, MO along with one sister, Melaina Crocker & husband James of Carencro, LA, and one brother Barry Zaunbrecher of Oregon.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Jamie Ray Zaunbrecher.

A gathering celebrating Richard's life will be held Sunday, September 8, 2024 at noon at Crazy Craig's Cheeky Monkey Bar, 120 Montgomery Dr., Branson, MO and Richard will be laid to rest at a later date at Calvary Cemetery in Lafayette, Louisiana. Cremation is in the care of Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home & Crematory, Branson.