Charles R. "Richard" Gudgel, Sr.

Richard Gudgel, 85, of Springfield died Friday, January 14, 2022, at Lincoln Memorial Hospital.

Richard was born June 13, 1936, in Athens, IL, the son of Andrew and Mary (Faust) Gudgel. He married Shirley Ballard on February 22, 1971, in Nashville, TN. He was preceded in death by his sisters Helen, Margaret, Dorothy and Caroline and brothers Tom, Gene, John and Bill.

He was an over-the-road trucker and heavy equipment operator. He was employed by Sanky Asphalt.

Richard’s true passion was his music. He had a love of country music and playing guitar. He played in honkytonks and clubs throughout the United States and Nashville for more than 60 years. He was a member of The Melody Makers, a band formed with his brothers.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley Gudgel, daughters Debbie Vanhorn, Cathy (Sam) Wright, son Rick (Jody) Gudgel, stepson Bill Williams, sister-in-law Hazel Gudgel, 12 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

A private family service will be held at Bisch & Son Funeral Home. Interment will be at Oak Hill Cemetery of Clear Lake.

CDC protocol will be followed, requiring face coverings and social distancing

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or the DAV.