Richard L Schneider

 MARQUETTE HEIGHTS ~  Richard Louis "Dick" Schneider, 78, of 190 East Queenwood Road, Morton, passed away at 7 p.m. Saturday, February 19, 2011 at Morton Villa Care Center.  He was formerly of Marquette Heights.

Born January 6, 1933 in Evanston to Louis J. and Clara (Tymph) Schneider, he married Phyllis Joyce Bailey on July 3, 1955 in Pekin.  She died March 8, 1999 in Pekin.  He also was preceded in death by his parents.

Surviving are three sons, Richard Eugene (Kathy) Schneider of Sunnyland, John Edward (Paula) Schneider of Creve Coeur and Michael Allan Schneider of Marquette Heights; two daughters, Teresa Lynn (Morgan "Pete") Thompson of Pekin and Patricia Ann (Michael) Wallis of Hallsville, Missouri; fourteen grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren and three brothers, William Schneider of Montana, Daniel Schneider and Bob Schneider, both of Arizona.  He also leaves his loving companion, Sharon "Nickie" Killion of Marquette Heights.

Dick served in the United States Army and is a veteran of the Korean War.

He worked for Caterpillar, Inc. for nine years as a machinist.  He also worked in fire protection at Caterpillar.  He worked as a self-employed television repairman from 1955 to 1960.  He then worked as a sales person and as a television repairman for Leo's, Neil's, Benson's & Grimm's.

He was a former police officer and later police chief for the City of Marquette Heights.  He also served Marquette Heights as volunteer fire fighter for 13 years, last serving as fire chief.  He was a member of the William Schaefer American Legion Post 44 in Pekin.    

His graveside service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, February 26, 2011 at Lakeside Cemetery in Pekin.  The Rev. John E. Plunkett will officiate.  Military rites will be accorded by the United States Army and the Tazewell Military Rites Team. 

Arrangements are by Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Tazewell Animal Protective Society, 100 Taps Lane, Pekin, IL 61554 or to Harbor Light Hospice, 2000 West Pioneer Parkway #18B, Peoria, IL 61615.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com