Richard “Coach” Sturm entered into rest on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. Beloved husband and best friend of Rose Mary Sturm (nee Linebarger) for over 54 years; loving father of Richard Wlilliam Sturm; dear son of the late William and Lelah Sturm; brother of the late Billie Reis; our dear brother-in-law, uncle, friend and coach.
Rich was a devoted, loving husband and father. He had a dry sense of humor and was quick-witted. He loved animals especially his English Bulldogs. As a teacher and coach, he was a great motivator, communicator and role model. He was proud to be apart of Oakville High School and the community. He always did the right thing no matter how tough it was. He has a Master’s+45 Degree from Washington University.
-Received the Hal Whittaker Award for Outstanding Career Achievements in 1999.
-Oakville High School Baseball field was named after him in 2008.
-Inducted into the Greater St. Louis Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame in 2015.
-Received the Bob Broeg Award for his commitment to coaching excellence and lifetime of service to high school baseball in the greater St. Louis area in 2025.
Rich never had a losing season in his 17 years at Oakville High School as the head baseball coach. He had a .702 winning percentage.
1 Corinthians 2:9 However, as it is written:
No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.❤️
Services: Visitation at Kutis South County Chapel 5255 Lemay ferry Rd. on Thursday, March 27, from 4 p.m. until time of service 7 p.m. with services concluding that evening. In lieu of flowers donations to Humane Society of St. Louis https://hsmo.org/adopt/, Tunnels to Towers https://t2t.org/donate/, or a children’s charity of your choice.
I am so sorry for your loss. So many wonderful memories from our years at Oakville Junior High. Sending thoughts and prayers.
Our family is so very sorry for your loss. You are the world to us and we are so inspirated by your hard work and dedication to our school, our community, and the Oakville Baseball Program. Your coaching spirit will live forever long in Oakville,
Dear Rosemary and Richard,
So sorry to hear this and sending my condolences. May the peace of Christ be with you during this difficult time.
So sorry for your loss. He was truly a great mentor and coach to my son .
“Dear Rosemary and Richard, I am so very sorry for your loss. Coach Sturm was an incredible mentor, teacher, and role model whose impact on the Oakville community will never be forgotten. His dedication, integrity, and love for the game shaped so many lives, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May you find comfort in the love and memories you shared. With love, Sam
Rich
Prayers for you and your family.
Such great legacy of giving from your dad.
JP
I have known Rich for many, many years. I am the retired secretary at Oakville JR/Middle School, bonded well his students both in PE & Health classes. After my retirement 25 years ago, I became a walker at CliffCave Park, & visited with him & Rosemary down at the park. I was aware of his health problems, but Rich was not a complainer. Hehad a quote “the day you were born was written in the BOOK the day you will die” Peace to you Rich, Rosemary & son Rich hang in there, you can do it
Coach Sturm was a Legend as my Jr High PE Teacher. He used to Rain baskets nothing but Net with a blindfold on showing us all proper technique. Great guy & very talented!!
Thinking of your family. Didn’t know him in his coaching days, but I was able to talk and get to know him more recently while watching games from his car. What a kind and wise man. He was very proud of you, Rich Jr.
My prayers and thoughts are with you Rose Mary and Rich in your time of loss.
I cherish the years we spent together coaching and just having a good time.
Those are some great memories.
God bless you and your family.
A great man, a great Coach. It was always a pleasure to work games for him. He will be missed by all who came in contact with him.
Rich, you and your loved ones are in my thoughts.
Peace friend.
So very sorry to hear this! Many fond memories. Condolences to his family and friends. 😢
My prayers are being sent to Rose and family. So sorry for your loss.
My condolences to the family, especially son Rich. I had the privilege to teach him in Spanish class and to then share a room with him when he, too, became a teacher and coach.
Mr Sturm was a wonderful man. Always so kind and warming . He and I bonded over our love for baseball. My son loved playing for Rich Jr and coach who was always at practice and games cheering on the boys. I miss the Mc Donald’s day with him and his buddies. We were always talking sports and politics. He was so knowledgeable about any topic. Sorry I will miss his funeral as we will be out of town. May God comfort Mrs Storm and Rich Jr.
Coach Sturm is a Legend. It was an honor to play for him on the Oakville Raiders and Johnny Mac Baseball teams and playing against his Oakville Tigers baseball teams in high school in the 80’s. Baseball and basketball players loved playing for him. Rest in Peace, Coach. My deepest condolences to Mrs. Sturm and Rich.
Oakville we lost a great man.
My son and daughter played for Rich Jr.
Sr was at every practice and game supporting Oakville. Always a positive comment and kind words. RIP my friend you will be missed.
Rest Peacefully Sparky. You Had A Great and Memorable Run and We Were All Just Privileged To Be Part Of It
Thank You For Your Mentorship, All The Life’s Lessons and Of Course The Never Ending Laughs
We All Love You So Much Coach!
PS – I Am Sorry I Never Hit More Than A Buck 99, But I Did Do A Decent Job in Goal
Coach Sturm was a great coach and always drew more potential out of us than we thought we had. He will be missed. My condolences go out to his family during this time.
I remember well all of those Mehlville- Oakville battles. Coach Sturm was a good competitor and a gentleman. So sorry for your loss.
I enjoyed every moment playing for Coach Sturm. We had very good teams in the mid-80’s and we also had a lot fun doing it. He will be missed. Condolences to Rose Mary and Rich Jr.
My prayers go out to the family of Coach Sturm. He was a good man and will be missed by many.
Rich was a good friend. Every time I saw him I would get a smile on my face and a warm feeling in my heart. He always had a good story.. He made the world a better place for many people.
Wishing you strength and comfort during this difficult time. Coach Sturm was a strong influence and highly respected in the STL high school baseball community. It was always great to see him in the dugout at Oakville.
My sincere condolences to the Sturm family. The entire Oakville community has lost a friend. Coach Sturm was not only a great coach, but a greater a man. He gave my son Adam the opportunity to play baseball at Oakville. And later on I had the proud opportunity to coach alongside Coach Sturm with the Johnny Mac SlABA league. He is missed by all who knew him.
Dear Rosemary and Richard Sorry to hear about your loss.My condolences may our Lord bless you and be at your side .
Dear Rich and Rosemary,
I so sorry for your loss. Rich was such a kind man I enjoyed working with at OHS. I fondly remember stories he told about your bull dog Winston (?) antics.
Wishing you God’s blessing, love and peace.
To Rose Mary and Richie, Mike and I extend our deepest sympathy.. As a friend, neighbor and coach of my kids and grandkids who. Loved playing for him. He was such a super nice man… May he rest in peace.. Karen and Mike Allen
Condolences to you Rose and Rich Jr. I just heard of Rich’s passing today. I’m so sorry I missed his services.
Ed always loved visiting with Rich and I enjoyed listening in on their conversations. It was always sports discussions with a few minutes covering the rest of life.
I miss those times.
RIP Rich.