Dr. Richard S. Webb Jr.

Richard S. Webb, JR., MD, died peacefully at home October 7, 2013, surrounded by family. He was born in Porto, Portugal, Aug. 4, 1930; came to US 1944. Son of Richard Slade and Roseanna Doreen (Wright) Webb. Dick grew up in Bailundo, Angola, where his parents were missionaries. His first memory as a child was sitting under a giant tree in Africa with his native friends. He delighted in telling stories of Angola, such as playing soccer with an inflated pig’s bladder, or eating roasted grasshoppers and queen ants. Snippets of the Umbundu language peppered his stories.

He excelled as a student, and encouraged the pursuit of a good education in his sons and grandchildren. Valedictorian of his small hometown high school in Allendale IL, he went on to graduate Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi, and with highest honors, in pre-medicine from the University of IL at Urbana (1952). He was accepted to Harvard Medical School, but could not afford it, and earned his MD at the University of IL College of Medicine, Chicago (1955). After medical school, he served as Captain in the US Army Medical Corps, 1956-58. He completed his internship and residency at the Research and Educational Hospital (now U of IL) in Chicago, working multiple jobs to make ends meet. In 1963, he was elected to membership in the Warren H. Cole Society as a distinguished alumnus. From 1964-1966 he and his family went overseas where he worked as advisor to the Department of Surgery at the Chiangmai (Thailand) Medical School. Shortly thereafter, he moved his family to Rockford IL where he practiced surgery at Rockford Memorial Hospital.

Dick was a gifted surgeon and professor of surgery. He was a founding physician of the Rockford School of Medicine and was Clinical Professor of Surgery, and later Chairman of the Department of Surgery (1983-1995), at the University of IL College of Medicine in Rockford. He was very proud of the two Golden Apple awards he won for excellence in teaching. Both his patients and students remember his compassion, warmth, and honesty, and how he took the time to listen, answer questions, and comfort them during difficult times. He felt deep empathy for those less fortunate and was tremendously forgiving and supportive. He respected and valued everyone.

He enjoyed traveling with his wife Jean, and reading spy novels and books on history and politics. At least four newspapers arrived on his doorstep each day, and working their crossword puzzles was another of his passions. He loved keeping track of current events and political issues and was a great fan of the Chicago Bears and the U of I football and basketball programs. His great sense of humor is reflected in the thick folder full of jokes he accumulated from emails and web sites. His curiosity was boundless, and covered every subject under the sun. He was a lifelong student, humble about his own accomplishments, and always questioning those around him to learn about their lives and careers.

He married Jean Rose Marshall in 1955, the beginning of a beautiful 58 year union of love and mutual support. He is survived by wife Jean, sons Richard M. (Judy) Webb of Madison WI, Steven (Patricia) Webb of Rockford IL, and David (Gene Clapper) Webb of Sacramento CA; grandchildren Aaron, Kevin and Kathryn Webb; brothers Ryland (Wanda) Webb of Blacksburg VA, and Stanley (Joy) Webb of Mayfield KY.

Predeceased by son James Webb and grandson Timothy Webb.

The family is deeply grateful for the compassionate care provided by Northern IL Hospice and the staff at Wesley Willows.

Funeral service, 2 p.m. Friday, October 11, at Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 N. Alpine Road, Machesney Park, Rev. Bobby Sheets officiating. Visitation 12 p.m. to time of service. Online condolences may be submitted at sunsetfhmemgardens.com