Richard C. “Dick” Wiles, Sr.
Richard C. “Dick” Wiles, Sr.
Richard C. “Dick” Wiles, Sr.
1949-2026
Mr. Richard C. “Dick” Wiles, Sr., age 76, of Jefferson City, Mo. passed away Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Heisinger Bluffs.
Dick was born August 4, 1949, in Maryville, Missouri, the son of Richard W. and Marcella (Tobin) Wiles. He was a loving brother to his three sisters, Linda, Melanie, and Jennifer, and his brother, Doug.
Dick grew up in Maryville and graduated from Maryville High School. During his youth, he earned the distinguished rank of Eagle Scout, an accomplishment that reflected the leadership, character, and determination he carried throughout his life. He went on to graduate from Northwest Missouri State University, where he proudly represented the Bearcats and developed a lifelong appreciation for his hometown and alma mater.
Following college, Dick moved to Jefferson City to begin his career with United Telephone Company. Over more than a decade with the company, he advanced through the organization and eventually served as its lobbyist, discovering a profession that perfectly matched his talents for building relationships, understanding people, and bringing others together.
In 1985, he founded Richard Wiles and Associates, a governmental affairs and lobbying firm that he successfully led for more than 40 years. He took great pride in helping shape the progress of Missouri through his work. Throughout his career, he built lasting relationships across all areas of the political spectrum and earned the respect of colleagues, legislators, and clients alike. He was especially proud to see the firm continue into a second generation under the leadership of his son, Sam.
Dick married Lynette (Merrill) Wiles on October 25, 1975, in Jefferson City and they were married for 37 years. Together they were blessed with three children: Rich, Sam, and Maury. Dick’s family was always the center of his world. He was immensely proud of his children and never missed an opportunity to tell them so. In recent years, his greatest joy was being known as “Grandpa Dewey” to his beloved grandchildren, Eloise and Wesley. His face would light up whenever he spoke of them.
Dick held firmly to his Catholic faith throughout his life and was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church. He drew strength and guidance from his faith in both good times and difficult ones.
Outside of work, Dick embraced life with enthusiasm. He was an excellent cook and could often be found wearing his chef’s coat while tending the grill. He was a member and past president of the Jefferson City Country Club where he loved playing golf with family and friends. He also enjoyed collecting artwork and sharing pieces from his collection with others. He found joy in connecting people, sharing stories over a glass of wine, and creating memories with those he loved.
When people think of Dick, kindness immediately comes to mind. He never met a stranger. He was loyal to his friends, generous with his time, and always willing to lend a helping hand, often before anyone even had to ask. His warmth, compassion, and generosity touched countless lives and will remain his enduring legacy.
Survivors include: three children, Richard C. “Rich” Wiles, Jr. (Ashley) of Kansas City, Missouri, Sam Wiles (Jeanie) of St. Louis, Missouri and Maury Waring (Winston) of Scotsdale, Arizona; three sisters, Linda Wiles (Mike Quist), Jennifer Witt (Mike) and Melanie Stoecker (Rod); one brother, Doug Wiles (Leslie); two loving grandchildren, Eloise Wiles and Wesley Waring; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
A prayer service with family tributes will be held at 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at The Millbottom Event Center, 400 W Main St, Jefferson City, MO 65101, with the Reverend Monsignor Robert Kurwicki, V.G. officiating. A reception will follow the prayer service for friends and family to share memories over food and drink from 4:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Catholic Charities of Central and Northern Missouri, 1015 Edmonds Street, Jefferson City, Mo. 65109.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary.
www.freemanmortuary.com
