Richard Offett Scott

     Richard (Dickie, Scotty), age 83, transitioned peacefully at 8:39 AM, on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 after a long illness while residing at The Country Rest Home in Greenwood, Delaware.  He was born to his loving parents, the late Bennie Kester and Sadie Mae Offett Scott in Harrisburg, Illinois.  He was the last born of their nine children.

     His mother enrolled him in the Lincoln School in Harrisburg at the age of four.  After attending the segregated Lincoln School through grade six he attended Harrisburg’s integrated public schools.  He played French Horn in the band and orchestra in middle school and high school.  He received The Inland Daily Press Association Award for “Outstanding Newspaper boy” Award in 1959.  He was also a member of the Key (Kiwanis) Club.  He received the John Philip Sousa Award for his musicianship as a French Hord player in the band.

     After his father died in 1951, Richard, his mother and his nephew, Henry Duval, remained in the home.  His mother died seven months prior to his graduation from high school.  After graduating from Harrisburg High School, Richard attended Culver Stockton College in Quincy, Illinois for one year then transferred to Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Illinois where he met Annie Louise Moore in 1963.  They were married in 1965 in Decatur, Illinois.  They had two children.  Constance was born in 1967 and Richard Kester was born in 1970.  Scottie graduated from EIU receiving his Bachelor’s degree in 1964 and Master’s degree in 1967.

     Richard worked in the St. Louis Public schools from 1964 to 1966 as a certified music teacher.  In 1967 he was hired to teach instrumental music in the Bloomington, Illinois Public Schools.  He was recruited to teach in the Shorewood, Wisconsin Public Schools in 1970.  Between 1974 and 1991, Richard, taught in Princeton, New Jersey on the staff of the Westminster Choir College and several New Jersey public school systems including Colts Neck, Freehold Township, Highland Park and Hamilton.  Along with teaching, Richard continued to practice French Horn and perform with local orchestras and civic bands.  From 1991 to 2004 Richard enjoyed many challenges as Supervisor of Vocal and Instrumental Music for the Lincoln, Nebraska Public Schools, more than 50 schools until his retirement in 2004.

     During his career, Richard traveled to many countries and states in this country.  He was elected to the Millstone Township Public School Board of Education as well as the Board of Trustees of Southeast Community College in Nebraska.  Over the years he was active in the Sunshine Kiwanis of Lincoln, Nebraska; Cub Scouts Pact 116 of Millstone, New Jersey; Lebanon Lode No. 3, M.W. Prince Hall Grand Lodge, F. & A.M. of Nebraska; and held lifetime memberships in the Modern Maturity Center of Dover, Delaware, The American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada (Lincoln, Nebraska Musicians Association, Local 463) and the National Association for Music Education.

     Mourning his passing are; his wife and soul mate, Annie Louise Moore Scott, loving daughter, Constance Moore Scott, devoted son, Richard Kester Scott, and very special grandson, Tobin Scott, special nieces and grand nieces, Amber Moore, Joy Simpson (O.C.), Margo Jones (Steve), Mikayla Williams, Brittany Moore, Kim Scott, Karen Scott, and very special nephews, Byron Gandy, Sr. (Carol) and Vance Witherspoon, Jr. (Rhonda).  Devoted special-in-laws include, Carlene A. Moore and Fred L. Moore and many other relative and friends.

     Richard was preceded in death by his parents, eight siblings; Vivian, Theresa A. Scott, Edward B. Scott, Sr., Joyce Y. Scott, Caroline J. Scott, Easter D. Scott, Gloria Witherspoon-Wooley, and Edith Scott and nephews, Henry Duval, Vance Witherspoon, Sr., Edward Scott, Jr. and Perry Gandy, nieces, Vivecca Scott and Sadie Scott.

     Richard was loved and respected by his family and many students, parents, music staff, colleagues, musicians and friends.  He will be missed, but always remembered for the respect he gave and expected in return as well as his wonderful smile. 

     Memorial services for Richard Offett Scott will be held at 11 AM, on Thursday, June 25, 2026 at Stricklin Funeral Home in Harrisburg.  Visitation will be held from 10 AM to 11 AM on Thursday, June 25, 2026 Stricklin Funeral Home.  Gifts honoring Richard can be made to The Southern Poverty Law Center at secure.splcenter.org or by phone 334/956-8200. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard Offett Scott, please visit our floral store.