Deacon Richard Paul Harrell

Richard Paul Harrell was born August 6, 1945 in Gadsden, Alabama. He was one of six children born to the family of Mr. Elder "Buster" Harrell and Mrs. James (Spencer) Harrell.

He began his early learning at Central Elementary School and George Washington Carver High School in Gadsden. Some of his enjoyable memories included the HIY Boy's Club, playing on the football team, and taking school shop classes. Leadership skills came early, as he became President of his 10th Grade class. Richard graduated high school in 1963, but would often reflect on the Senior Class Motto, "Luck is a lazy man's conception of a rich man's success."

Now, it was his Adult Life and he enrolled at Morehouse College. However, to the dismay of his mother, he and several other Morehouse students left college and joined the United States Air Force. His mother, however, would eventually accept his decision. In the military, he continued his education and took Survival Training Coursework; Mechanic Engineering Aircraft courses at the Extension Institute, and United States Air Force Medical Training at Cigil Air Base, Turkey. He excelled in the classes so competently, and completed them so quickly that he was promoted to Staff Sergeant. Staff Sergeant Richard Paul Harrell served during the Vietnam War based out of Turkey.Out of 169 candidates, he was the recipient of the Airman of the Month Award for high caliber performance, twice; which was exemplary. He received awards and commendations which included the Distinguished Flying Cross for Extraordinary Achievement while participating in aerial flights; the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon; an Air Force Good Conduct Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

Richard married his true love, Linda Dooley, May 28, 1967. They would have two children: LaTonya Patriece and Richard Kendall. After 48 years of marriage, it is refreshing for his wife, Linda, to recall life in Kansas City and Des Moines. At the very top are memories of his Godly life with the Church. In 1971, at the Metropolitan Baptist Temple in Kansas City, Kansas, he was ordained as a Deacon. People will remember that he could pray and draw people into his prayers. Richard used his strong faith beliefs and leadership skills to work for the good of humanity. He participated in and received recognition on local, district, state, and national levels.

Locally, the family became members of Corinthian Baptist Church (Des Moines, Iowa) and he served approximately 20 years as Chair of the Deacon Board. He was a Sunday School Teacher, an Instructor for the Men's Group, and a member of the Corinthian-Aires (that is, until he acknowledged that he could "not sing in tune" and sadly stepped down).Richard started the Prison Ministry with Rodney and Doris Pratt and for over 20 years he attended every month until his health would not allow.

Deacon Harrell received the 2001 Certificate of Appreciation for support, loyalty, and contribution toward success of the Central District Deacon's Group and the 2008 Central District Founders Service Award. In 2004, while President of the Iowa Missionary and Educational Baptist State Convention Deacons and Laymens Department, he presented his vision and planted the seed of Iowa of hosting the Midwestern Region Laymen's Workshop. It did happen in 2014!

In 2006, the Iowa Missionary and Educational Baptist State Convention awarded him the Certificate of Meritorious Service as a "Senior Deacon." He attended many and regular National Conventions. Prior to his illness, Deacon Harrell was completing classes that would prepare him for teaching on the national level.

As a leader in the service of the Lord, Richard did God-ordained things to effect change in the lives of people. He and wife, Linda, were Foster Parents to more than 30 children. He was a P.S. Map Trainer (Partnering for Performance and Safety: Model Approach to Partnerships and Parenting). This was through the Iowa Foster and Adoptive Parents Association.

For many, many years, Richard worked as a Sales Representative for several companies in Iowa including, but not limited to General Electric, Motorola, Prudential, and Allied. Additionally, he was self-employed as a Photographer.He was an active member of the NAACP and received the Presidential Award for Community Service. He loved to hunt, fish, travel, play golf, tell stories and most of all, help people. He often testified that "if I can help somebody along the way, my living will not be in vain."

He had many fine qualities and will always be remembered for strong and unique ways of expressing himself and engaging in conversations, i.e. He would often say: "I really love my grandchildren. Had I known they would be so-ooo wonderful, I would have had them first, and had the biological children last." Absolutely no one could share humor or funny stories like Richard

Richard Paul Harrell departed this life June 29, 2015 at Good Samaritan Society in Indianola, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Harry Harold and Milton Harold; and one sister, Gwendolyn Harrell Nelson.

Richard is survived by his wife, Linda Dooley Harrell; children, Rev. LaTonya Patriece Calderon (David), Richard Kendall Harrell (Abby) of Edina MN; God-Son, Gerard Gause; special recipients of his fatherly roles through graduations and marriage, Arkeya MacMillian, Jewel Polson (Larry), Brittany Overstreet, Mariah Robinson, and Courtney Thompson; Grandchildren, Maxwell Zion Harrell and Miles Jackson Harrell of Edina MN, Jasmine LaTriece Calderon and David Michael Calderon, III; Step granddaughter, LaQueysha Dane Calderon; brother, Raymond Harrell and sister, Clarice Robinson (Paul) of Gadsden AL; sister-in-law, Josephine Harrell of Gadsden AL; brother-in-law, Major Nelson of Gainesville, GA and a host of nephews, nieces, and cousins. He is also survived by Deacon LaMontie Gause, his long-time friend; Rev. Gary Ray, who visited and ministered thrice weekly; Deacon Joe Koger, who was a caregiver and provided activities; Brothers, Ocie Love, Robert Anderson and Deacon Dave Harris, for their strong support and transportation and all those that prayed with and for Richard.







Cemetery Details Iowa Veteran's Cemetery

Van Meter, IA,



Funeral Service

JUL 6. 06:00 PM

Corinthian Baptist Church

814 School Street

Des Moines, IA, US, 50309

Interment with Military Honors

JUL 7. 11:00 AM

Iowa Veteran's Cemetery

Van Meter, IA, US