Richard Dean Fast, the son of Orville and Peg (Cozad) Fast, was born on Dec. 22, 1956, in Corning. He entered into rest on Friday, Dec. 9, at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, at the age of 59 years, 11 months, and 17 days.Rich grew up on a farm in rural Morton's Mill, enjoying his large family while making wonderful childhood memories. He graduated from Villisca High School in 1975, and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Ag Business from Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Mo. Rich was united in marriage with his high school sweetheart Kay Lewis on May 14, 1977, at the Villisca United Methodist Church. To this union, two children were born, Dustin and Trisha, and five grandchildren, Cody, Evan and Mackenzie Fast, and Kaya and Caleb Owen. Rich began farming with D and J Farms in 1979, immediately following his college graduation. He had a deep respect for farming the land, raising cattle and enjoyed living in a rural community. He passed on that love and passion to his son, Dustin, who has shared in the family business for the past 20 years. He was an excellent business man, making smart decisions about investments and the farming operation. Rich was a member of the Villisca United Methodist Church, and helped with various committees throughout the years, most recently serving as the chairman of the central leadership team. He was a clerk for the East Township of the Villisca Trustees. Rich served on the Rural Electric Cooperative Board of Directors for the past 10 years, and led the group as president for one year. He was a lifetime member of VAFA (Villisca Alumni Friends Association, and served as a volunteer for the Villisca EMT's. Rich was a family man and shared his good values and fine character with all who knew him. His wife Kay, was his true love and best friend. They each had passions for their careers and supported one another throughout their lives. His long battle with cancer was characterized with courage, strength, dignity, and a fight to the end. He was optimistic, had a strong faith and always found joy in each and every day. He loved nature, being outdoors and appreciated the beauty of God's magical creation. He was proud of his children and loved being a grandfather. His favorite moments included spending time with family and friends, being in a combine with one of the grandchildren and special vacations with his wife. Rich was a blessing to his family and friends and will be missed by all who knew him. Rich was preceded in death by his father, Orville Fast. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Kay, of rural Villisca; his children, Dustin, (Kristin) Fast, of rural Villisca, Trisha Owen, of Villisca; grandchildren, Cody, Evan and Mackenzie Fast, Kaya and Caleb Owen; his mother, Peg Fast, of Morton's Mill, and siblings, Cathi (Darrel) Fulton, of rural Villisca, Larry (Norma) Fast, of Nodaway, Doug (Mary) Fast, of Omaha, Debby (Jim) Kenworthy, of Seneca, S.C., Chuck (Mary Beth) Fast, of Morton's Mill, and Sherri (Mike) Slobodnik, of Bloomington, Minn.; his father and mother-in-law, Dwight and Janice Lewis of Villisca, sister-in-law, Carol Eno of Shenandoah, 20 nieces and nephews, 31 great-nieces and nephews and many other relatives and friends. May God bless his memory and give strength to those who mourn. A celebration of life service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2016 at the Villisca United Methodist Church. Visitation with the family present was held Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2016 at the Villisca United Methodist Church. Interment will be held at a later date. Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to Villisca United Methodist Church, Villisca Alumni Friends Association, or Villisca EMT's. Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.