Richard E. St. John

Richard E. St. John, 89, of Springfield, passed away at 1:02 a.m. on Monday, February 9, 2015 at Memorial Medical Center. Richard was born December 13, 1925 in Springfield, the son of Melvin Otis and Velma Iola (Whitsell) St. John. He married Esther L. Beeby on March 18, 1948 in Springfield; she preceded him in death on October 2, 2014. Richard was a 1944 graduate of Springfield High School and earned his bachelor's degree from the U of I. He proudly served his country in the United States Army during WWII, earning numerous medals, including three Bronze Battle Stars. Richard had been an accountant for CIPS and the State of Illinois. He loved to dance, golf, bowl, and spend time with family and friends. He was also preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Melvin Otis St. John, Jr. He is survived by his two daughters, Sally Faulkner of Northfield, IL and Jill St. John Berger of Springfield; six grandchildren, James William Faulkner IV, Gwendolyn Judith Faulkner, Axelle Elizabeth (husband, Stephen) Brown, Elise Victoria (husband, Dr. Brian) Waldman, Holly Elizabeth Berger, and Grace Juliette St. John; one great-grandchild, Emma Rose Waldman; and nieces, Jennifer Navickas, Sharen (husband, John) Bucari, and Karen Smith. Funeral Ceremony: 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 12, 2015 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home with Pastor Jeff Nelsen officiating. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery with military honors provided by the Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County and the Department of Defense. Memorial contributions may be made to the Washington Street Mission, 1116 North 5th St., Springfield, IL 62702.