Richard “Dick” Wurth, age 83, Boaz, Kentucky passed away at 8:15 p.m. Sunday, August 17, 2025 at his home. Dick was born on June 22, 1942, to Firmin Wurth and Mary Eloise Neihoff Wurth. He was a long-time member of St. John Catholic Church and a graduate of St. John High School.
Mr. Wurth lived a long, beautiful life filled with family, fun, and hard work. He joined the United States Army after high school and was a helicopter mechanic during that time. He even flew a plane or two during his service and was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas. His army service allowed him to meet his wife, Betty. Dick worked at the Illinois Central Railroad for over 20 years as a pipefitter. Dick reinvented himself when the railroad began to downsize and started his own plumbing business known as Dick Wurth’s Plumbing. He plumbed many homes in the Paducah area and was very respected in this field.
Dick enjoyed many activities outside of work. He was a lover of nature and spent many days hunting and fishing, and even dabbled in a little taxidermy. He loved to walk in the woods and continued this habit up until shortly before his death. Dick planted flowers and had a large vegetable garden, and was known for his tomatoes. He loved watching hummingbirds and cardinals outside the window and was an avid reader of political books and westerns. He watched FOX NEWS daily! Dick built his home of 53 years and assisted in building the first St. Jude’s Dream Home in Paducah. He was a devout Catholic and attended St. John’s regularly. Dick and Betty enjoyed time at their lake cabin at the Illinois Central Fishing Club, which began as a hunting/fishing retreat for railroad employees where he served on the board and was an elected officer at one time. Dick enjoyed traveling with his wife, and they traveled to the Holy Land on two occasions. His trips included fishing in Alaska, traveling out west, enjoying time on the East Coast, and taking several cruises.
Dick was a man of integrity and honor. He was a loving father and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Dick and Betty had a love that most can only hope for; they were best friends. They were always seen holding hands. Dick put Betty’s needs first until the very end. He was a good man and will be missed by many.
Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Betty Leavell Wurth; three daughters, Lisa Renee (Joe) Bentley, Russellville, KY; Laura (Mitch) Rowland, Bardwell, KY and Tracy Wurth, Paducah, KY; one son, Troy (Shelia) Wurth, Graves County, KY; five sisters, Martha, O'Neill, Metropolis, IL, Phyllis (Kenny) Walter, Graves County, KY, Dot Wurth, Mary (Ron) Neihoff and Judy Ayers all of Paducah; three brothers, Bill (Ann) Wurth, Symsonia, KY, Earl Wurth and Cletus Wurth both of Paducah, KY; five grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.
Preceding in death were two brothers, Terry Wurth and Paul Wurth, and his parents.
Services will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, August 21, 2025 at the St. John Catholic Church with Rev. Bruce Fogle officiating. Burial will follow at the St. John Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. with prayers at 4:30 p.m. at the Lone Oak Chapel of Milner & Orr Funeral Home.
Expression of sympathy may be made to St. John Catholic Church, 6705 Old US Highway 45 South, Paducah, KY 42003; St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Avenue, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10001.
