Richard "Dick" R. Henderson

Richard R. "Dick" Henderson, 83 of East Peoria passed away at 1:41 pm, Friday, July 14, 2023 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria. He was born to Verle" Bud" and Vaneda (Paul) Henderson in Marietta, IL on November 16, 1939. He married Lois Malott in Ipava, IL on December, 31, 1961. Dick was preceded in death by; his parents; step-mother, Hazel Henderson, one great-granddaughter, Abigail Sutton; two step-brothers, Wilford and Glenn Blakley, and one step-sister, Nancy Blakley. He is survived by; his beloved wife of 62 years, Lois; two daughters, Tina (Robert) Paine of Peoria and Mary (Mike) Sutton of East Peoria; four grandchildren, Michael (Jamie) Sutton, Rachel (John) Hathway, Matthew Sutton, and Zachary (Taylor Strickler) Paine; eight great-grandchildren; two brothers, Ron (Jean) Henderson of East Peoria, and Don (Dixie) Henderson of East Moline, one step-brother, Scott (Lori) Blakley of Ipava, IL; one brother in law Verl (Glenna) Malott of Ipava; and several nieces and nephews. Dick was raised in rural Fulton County. He graduated in 1957 as Valedictorian of his class from Cuba High School, Cuba, IL. He was a Veteran of the United States Navy. He was a member of UAW #974 and retired from Caterpillar where he worked as an electrician for 30 years. He was an avid reader. Dick enjoyed mushroom hunting, making mushroom sticks, fishing, and hunting. He loved to be outdoors gardening and enjoying nature. He was a great storyteller and could sometimes be quite a character. He was a loving, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. His main focus was always his family and providing for them. The love he showed to his family will be fondly remembered and greatly missed. Dick was a man of Christian Faith. A Celebration of Life will be held from 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm on Sunday, August 6, 2023 at the UAW Hall #974, 3025 Springfield Rd, East Peoria, IL with Military Honors provided by the United States Navy and the American Legion Post followed by a social gathering and luncheon. Memorials may be made in Dicks name to a Charity of the Donors Choice. Cremation has been accorded. Celebration of Life Sunday, August 6, 2023 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM UAW Hall #974 3025 Springfield Rd East Peoria,IL 61611