Robert Richards

Date of Birth

Jul 19,1947

Date of Death

Feb 26,2018

ROBERT E. “Rich” RICHARDS, age 70, of Cortland, passed away peacefully at home, Monday, February 26, 2018 with his loving wife Rhonda at his side. Robert was born in Oak Park, IL on July 19, 1947 to proud parents S. Allen and Ruth Richards. Robert grew up in Elmhurst, IL and attended Yorkville High School, where he was a track athlete. Robert met the love of his life in August of 1990 at a tractor show. As fate would have it, the lovely Rhonda Ketcherside went around to all the vendors to ask how they wanted to be announced and Robert and his friend were standing around chatting when she happened to pass by. Robert was smitten and instantly asked for her number. He was ornery as they come, but they fell head over heels for each other. They were united in marriage May 18, 1991 and started their life together in Cortland, IL. After returning from the army, Robert worked as an engineer for Chicago Northwestern, which later became Union Pacific. He worked and retired after 40 years of service. Robert always put God above everything and attended Bethel Assembly of God in Sycamore, IL. He was also a member of the Maple Park Legion. Robert was a professional joke teller, whether he was actually telling a joke or just joking around. He knew how to put a smile on everyone’s face, especially Rhonda’s. His jokes would light up her face and heart in an instant. Robert was an avid train memorabilia collector. His love of trains was not only for his job, but collected them at his home as well. Robert told many stories of his 40 years on the railroad and one of his favorite stories to tell was that of his nickname. Many people knew of Robert on those rails as “The Lollipop Man” because he would throw Tootsie Pops to the linemen and it would always brighten their day. When Robert wasn’t at home or at work, he loved to go fishing and hunting. He saved the rivers of Montana for his fishing of trout. 12 years ago Robert had beaten stage four cancer, but that was only half the battle. Even through everything, Robert remained happy almost all of the time. Due to Robert’s illness it was hard to do much, because of that he became a movie fanatic. Robert would watch all kinds of movies! There was no end to his viewing pleasure. While watching those movies, he was accompanied by his favorite pups. He simply loved his dogs. Robert will always be remembered for his loving attitude and smile inducing jokes. He will be sorely missed and never forgotten.Robert is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Rhonda; a step-daughter Trena (David) Milsap; one grandson Ryen Milsap; one great-granddaughter Nora Anne Milsap; three siblings Judy Richards, Sam Richards, and Katie Richards-Rome; and many nieces and nephews.He is preceded in death by his parents Allen and Ruth Richards. Visitation will be from 4-6 p.m., Tuesday, March 6, 2018, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL with a service to celebrate his life to start at 6 p.m. A procession to Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Elwood, IL for an inurnment will start at 10:45 a.m. from Conley Funeral Home, Elburn, IL on Wednesday, March 7, 2018.

A service to celebrate his life to start at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 6, 2018, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL

Visitation will be from 4-6 p.m., Tuesday, March 6, 2018, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL.

A procession to Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Elwood, IL for an internment will start at 10:45 a.m. from Conley Funeral Home, Elburn, IL on Wednesday, March 7, 2018.

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