Richard Owen Gallagher, age 80, of Kansas City, MO, formerly of Robinson, IL and Decatur, IL, passed away on Monday, April 22, 2019 following complications from colon cancer. Richard was born September 14, 1938 in Marshall, IL. He was raised by his grandmother, Mary Gallagher.
Richard played football for Marshall High School, where he received an award for outstanding lineman. He graduated in 1957. He treasured his friendships from high school, and kept in contact with many classmates and attended several class reunions. Richard attended Elgin Watchmakers College, graduating in 1959 as a Certified Master Watchmaker. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1962 and served 6 years, much of that time aboard the USS Orion. He then returned to Illinois, and joined his uncle, Gene Gallagher at Gene’s Jewelry in Robinson, eventually taking over the store. Richard was also a jeweler and a Certified Graduate Gemologist. In his later years, Richard moved to Kansas City, Missouri, where he was employed as a watchmaker at Meierottos Jewelers.
Richard was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Loretta Gallagher, his grandmother, and brother, Gene Gallagher. He is survived by his devoted wife, Kimberly Crabtree Gallagher of Kansas City, and his six children: David (Holly) Gallagher of Robinson, IL; Kevin Gallagher of Oblong, IL; Brian (Tracy) Gallagher of Aston, PA; Jennifer Gallagher of Ingleside, IL; Jaclyn (Mike) Matakas of Champaign, IL; and Daniel Gallagher of Kansas City, MO. Richard has three grandchildren: Andrew Gallagher of Bloomington, IN; Megan Gallagher of Robinson, IL; and Benedict Matakas of Champaign, IL. He is also survived by his sister, Ann (Roman) Brockett of Milan, IL and brother, John Gallagher (Maggie) of Many, LA, as well as nieces and nephews.
Richard was an AVID fan of Notre Dame football. Richard spent many hours researching his Irish heritage, tracing his family’s origins, and was learning to play the bagpipes. He had a keen interest in history, especially Roman and military history.
A graveside service will be held at Leavenworth National Cemetery at 12:30 pm on Wednesday, May 22, 2019, with military honors provided by VFW Post 10906. Cremation and committal arrangements by White Chapel Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Richard Gallagher Memorial GoFundMe will be sincerely appreciated.
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