Richard Langdon Nuzum, Ballwin, MO  (1935 - 2013)

October 24, 1935 - January 19, 2013
Richard Langdon Nuzum, “Dick” to his friends, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013, surrounded by his family at home. He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Bette; and his adoring sons: Richard, Jr. (Mari), Tom (Tami), and David (Olivia). He was the proud grandfather of Hallie, Richie, Katie, Daniel, Sarah, Taylor, Alex, Julia, and Sydney.
Dick was born in Janesville, WI, Oct. 24, 1935, to Dr. Thomas and Dorothy Nuzum, now deceased. He was the fourth of six children and is survived by his sisters: Priscilla, Gretchen, Sara, and Jill; and by his brother, Tim.
Dick graduated from Carleton College in 1958, and began his career as a middle school science teacher, hockey and football coach in Minnetonka, MN. In 1961, he began a six-year tenure as a member of Western Michigan University’s Education Department. During this time, he earned a master of science and a master of arts degree from the University. In 1967, Dick moved to Maumee Valley Country Day School in Toledo, OH, where he was a science teacher, athletic director, dean of students, head football coach and head baseball coach. He joined the faculty of Saint Louis Country Day School (CDS) in 1980, as a middle school science teacher for grades five, six, and eight. During his 24 years at CDS and MICDS, Mr. Nuzum was Class 8 Dean, as well as a football coach. Following his retirement from teaching, Dick worked in the Alumni Office.
Dick will always be remembered for the way that he inspired his students in the classroom and on the athletic field. Wearing his heart on his sleeve, he showed openly that he cared deeply for his students’ success; in doing so, he challenged them to do the same for themselves and for one another. Not only was he a dedicated educator, he was a mentor, a friend, and a role model of kindness, generosity, and love. Dick encouraged hundreds of students with frequent letters of support that spanned many years after they left his classroom.
A passionate person, Dick was capable of both great joy and disappointment, but utterly incapable of bitterness. He was a person of great integrity. For Dick’s family, his concern for his fellow man and woman was a natural extension of the affection and loyalty that he showed to his wife, sons, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren every day that they shared with one another.
Funeral services will be held at ST. MARK PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 601 Claymont, Ballwin, MO 63011, on Wednesday at 1 p.m. Interment will be private. If desired, contributions may be made to the Richard L. Nuzum Scholarship Fund, 101 North Warson Road, St. Louis, MO 63124 or St. Mark Presbyterian Church. Visitation will be held Tuesday from 3 until 8 p.m. at SCHRADER FUNERAL HOME, 14960 Manchester Road, Ballwin, MO 63011. Friends may sign the family’s on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.