Richard "Mugs" Countryman Obituary (1959

Richard "Mugs" Carl Countryman, 61, of Birmingham, IA passed away on June 5, 2021 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics after a courageous battle with cancer. As were his wishes, his body has been cremated. A celebration of his life will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Friday, June 11, 2021 at the Birmingham Lions Building in Birmingham, IA. Memorial contributions may be directed to the family to be used for a scholarship to support students pursuing a trade career. Memorials may be mailed to P.O. Box 44, Birmingham, IA 52535. Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com. Richard "Mugs" Countryman was born in Fairfield, IA to Merril and Ruth E. Tonkinson Countryman. He attended and graduated from the Van Buren Community School district and began pursuing his passion for welding. Mugs was a gifted welder who could fabricate just about anything you could think of. He spent over 20 years working for Keith Webber at his shop as well as working most recently at Big Ben in Keosauqua. During his time as a welder, he had made over 50 spiral staircases. Mugs also loved farming and could often be found helping a local farmer with the crops or livestock. When he wasn't working you might find him at the "Tin Shed" at Webbers helping to solve the world's problems, out mowing his yard, or mushroom hunting. He enjoyed collecting clocks and ink pens and very seldom missed watching a Dallas Cowboy or Green Bay Packer football game. Mugs spent over 28 years with the love of his life, Kathy, or as he affectionally referred to her, Bittersweet. Mugs cared deeply for his family and loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. He will be missed by his family and the many friends he made along the way. Mugs was preceded in death by his parents, Merril and Ruth E. Countryman; three brothers, Roy Countryman, Gary Countryman, and Douglas Countryman; a nephew, Michael Countryman, as well as Clifford Brown who was like a father figure to Mugs throughout his life. Left to share his story is his loving wife, Kathy Countryman of Birmingham, IA, three children, Eric (Athena) of Stockport, IA, Nickalus (Amber) of Bentonsport, IA, and Sabrina (CeCe) of Birmingham, IA; three brothers, Charles Countryman, Steve (Chris) Countryman, and Dennis (Diane) Countryman, as well as five grandchildren and many extended family and friends.