Richard (Dick) E. Kramer, owner of Richard E. Kramer & Associates, an event management company known for its Heart of County Antiques Show, died Wednesday, March 11, while in Nashville, Tenn., overseeing the opening of Heart of Country. He was 78 years old.
Kramer was born in Atlanta, Ga., grew up in Batesville, Ind., and attended Mercersburg Academy in Mercersburg, Penn. He interrupted his studies at Washington University Law School to enter the United States Air Force, serving in San Antonio, Texas from 1951 to 1955. In 1952, he married Elizabeth (Libby) Hosmer of St Louis, whom he met at youth group activities at Central Presbyterian Church in Clayton, Mo., while on leave.
After completing his degree at Washington University, Richard and Libby moved to Columbus, Ohio, where he worked for the Battelle Institute; they moved to Rumson, N.J., when he worked on Wall Street, then back to St Louis where he worked for the brokerage firm of Reinholdt & Gardner from 1962 to 1976. Kramer then opened up the first branch office of Dean Witter in Clayton, Mo.
In 1982, Richard, together with Libby, his late wife of 53 years, started Richard E. Kramer & Associates, an event management firm known for its signature event of 28 years, the nationally acclaimed Heart of Country Antiques Show.
With the very first show, noted dealers and collectors signed up to either participate in or attend the show as did Martha Stewart, an emerging catering sensation who flew in from New York to lend a hand in catering the Gala Preview Party buffet, and Mary Emmerling who was just introducing the American country style of decorating. That first show was a grand success kicking off their new business.
Richard and Libby’s nurturing and supportive nature, together with their creative business savvy and determination inspired dealers to go above and beyond in presenting their finest displays and elevating Heart of Country to premier status.
Throughout the years, Dick’s warm and welcoming nature was evident in everything he did †always lending a supportive chuckle, a bit of advice, and a funny story to anyone who would listen †and listen they did as he endeared himself making everyone his friend.
Richard was preceded in death by his wife Elizabeth, and is survived by his daughters, Marianne Haskins of Brentwood and Susan Hunkins (Stephen) of Webster Groves; and his son, Thomas Kramer of Brentwood; and four grandchildren, Elizabeth, Steven, Sarah and Samuel.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ladue Chapel Presbyterian Church, 9450 Clayton Road, Ladue MO 63124.
