Rick Harrington

Ricky “Rick” Dean Harrington, of Greenfield, Missouri, passed away Sunday, November 1, 2026 at the Mt. Vernon Missouri Veterans Home.  He was 75 years old.

He was born May 3, 1951 in Springfield, Missouri, to William Paul and Goldie Irene (Wilson) Harrington.  

In 1970, he enlisted in the United States Army so that his brother Randy, who had recently become a father, would not be drafted. It was a quiet, selfless act of courage and love for his family.  He served in the Vietnam War with the Army Security Agency.  

In the 1980’s, he became an owner-operator during the height of the independent trucking era.  Working alongside his brother and cousins, he hauled freight across the United States, helping shape a period many still remember as the true trucker revolution. 

On March 12, 1996, Rick entered into marriage with Cathy (Jones) Harrington.  They were married for 30 years.  They loved traveling together in their RV.

On August 1998, Rick gave his life to Jesus and was baptized at Dilday Mill on Turnback Creek.

He was a man of many talents. He drove big rigs, operated bulldozers, and worked as a skilled carpenter. He later served as a police officer for more than 20 years, earning a reputation for being tough but fair. Those who knew him often spoke of his tremendous wisdom, his strong work ethic, and his willingness to help others.

Rick loved his family, especially his wife.  He was very proud of the bond they shared and the love they had for each other.  Rick was a loving husband, father, papa, and friend. 

Preceding him in death were his parents, William and Goldie Harrington; and his brother, Randy Harrington.

Rick is survived by his loving wife, Cathy Harrington of the home; twin daughters, Sonya Harrington Cluck and husband, Scott, of Nevada, Missouri, and Tonya Harrington of Nevada, Missouri; son, William Sigle Harrington and wife, Melissa, of Marshall, Missouri; son, Danial White and his wife, Heather, of Nixa, Missouri; daughter, Lindsay Rice of Lockwood, Missouri; and son Brian White and wife, Jaime, of Everton, Missouri.

He is also survived by his grandchildren: Cody Kennon, Megan Kennon, Chelsea Giger, Ashley Harrington, Kelsey Daniel, Brody Daniel, Hadlee White, Hayden White, Hannah White, Brooklynn White, Kreed White, Blaire White, and Storm Case; 12 great-grandchildren; and his sister, Brenda Harding and her husband, Ric.

“You may be gone from out sight, but you are never gone from our hearts” Sonya Harrington Cluck

“You were the toughest, sweetest person I’ve ever known” Sigle Harrington 

Graveside services will be held at 11  a.m. on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at Antioch Cemetery.  There will not be a formal visitation, but family and friends are welcome to view and pay their respects on Wednesday from 12 noon to 6 p.m. at Greenfield Funeral Chapel  

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Antioch Cemetery.  

Online condolences may be shared at www.greenfieldfuneralchapel.com. 

Services are under the care of Greenfield Funeral Chapel.