Richard passed away peacefully at the Oakdale Nursing and Rehabilitation Center on August 5, 2024. He was born in Knights Ferry on October 15, 1929 to Albert and Felicia (Lorea) Muniain. Upon graduating from Oakdale High School in 1947, he was drafted into the Army on February 16, 1951 and was stationed in Fort Ord, California and served in the Korean War and was released November 18, 1952. While in the Army he received several awards: Combat Infantryman Badge, Korean Service Medal w/2 Bronze Service Stars and the United Nations Service Medal. When he was released as Sergeant First Class he returned to Knights Ferry.
He was employed at Pohl Metal Products for 40 years before he retired. After retirement he was appointed to the Knights Ferry Cemetery Board by Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors July 11, 2000. He served as trustee for eight years. During that time he and his faithful dog would drive two miles to the cemetery to check the boundaries for leaking faucets or late visitors before locking the gate. He enjoyed his volunteer position and felt he was giving back to the community where he was raised. Another area of Knights Ferry where he spent his retirement was the Knights Ferry Museum. He enjoyed working as a docent, telling stories about living and growing up in a small town. He loved sharing stories of spearing salmon in the river in the fall, and especially hiding in the basement when the game warden drove through town. An added plus to spending time in the museum, he could go downstairs and buy an ice cream whenever he wanted. That was his favorite treat.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents Albert and Felicia Muniain, brothers David and Raymond Muniain, and his niece Toni Muniain. He is survived by his sisters Janice Bender of Oakdale, CA; Eunice (Sid) Gire of Richland, WA; and Patty Muniain, sister-in-law from Knights Ferry and Seaside, CA; Kathy Muniain, sister-in-law from Nevada. He is survived by his nieces and nephews; Jennifer (Criswell) and Fred Krieter of Anchorage, AK; Marnie (Criswell) and Brett Keith of Oakdale, CA; Lori (Muniain) Gary Cupit of Turlock, CA; Koni (Muniain) Albert Aranda of Ceres, CA; Brian Muniain of Oakdale, CA; Krysti (Brian) Dyer, Las Vegas, NV; Dan (Michelle) Gire of Mesa, AZ; Steve (Sarah) Gire of Seattle, WA; Edie (Muniain) Darin Hatch, NV; Frankie (Tina) Muniain, Modesto, CA; and extended family of great nieces, nephews, cousins and an uncle and aunt.
A military graveside service will be held on November 23, 2024 at 11 a.m. at Oak Grove Cemetery in Knights Ferry. Pastor Henry Raven will officiate the services. A lunch will be held after the service at the Odd Fellows Lodge in Knights Ferry. Donations to the Knights Ferry History and Museum Associates, PO Box 861, Knights Ferry, CA 95361 will be appreciated.
We want to thank the Oakdale Rehabilitation Nursing Center, Hospice, Graceful Living and the wonderful care that was given to Uncle Dick.
Rest in peace Uncle Dick, we are going to miss our fun times we had together. Our family times together will never be the same. We love you!
The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader
The Riverbank (Calif.) News
Sept. 11, 2024
