Richard D. Bohannon, 89, of Marseilles, passed away peacefully Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at the OSF, surrounded by his loving children.
A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Dick is loved fondly by many and he will be greatly missed! May his treasured stories continue on throughout the years. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa
Richard (Dick) was born in 1934 on the “East Side” of Ottawa near the Fox and Illinois Rivers. He dearly loved the rivers and taught many to love and enjoy them . He was an Ottawa guy in his heart even after he moved to Marseilles with his wife 27 years ago. An OHS graduate, he was the winner of the 1948 Ottawa Soap Box Derby. He is a charter member of the Illinois Valley Idlers.
Dick was employed at L.O.F. on/off for 10 years and then worked at Stan’s Body Shop in Naplate. After Stan’s, he purchased Gordon’s Body Shop in Newark, which he ran successfully for 27 years with his loving wife. After he retired, he did 2 more restorations on a 1962 Willy’s pickup and a 1939 Ford convertible. The 39’ Ford convertible had a special place in his heart, as it was the car he used to ‘court’ his wife.
Dick truly loved and treasured his wife, Joyce, whom he was happily married to for 65 years. Spending quality time with Joyce, his family, and friends meant the most to him. Whether it was camping, boating, skiing, motorcycling, competing in car shows, or adventuring he readily was enthusiastic and ready for action to begin! Dick was known for his readiness to help others and quick-witted story telling.
Dick is survived by his two Blessed children, Jeff Bohannon, who lives in Oregon, IL, and Sue(Karl) Kjolhede, who resides in Steamboat Springs, CO., 5 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren.
Dick is preceded by: Loving wife, Joyce Bohannon; parents, R.P. and Blanche Bohannon; brother, Paul Bohannon, and his mother and father-in-law, Vernon and Lucy Hadley.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Mercy Ships(www.mercyships.org) or Operation Smile(www.operationsmile.org).
Richard was laid to rest in the Garden of Psalms ay Oakwood Memorial Park.