Richard A Bolam

Born December 30, 1927, at home in Pekin to John Owens and Myrtle Isabelle (Martin) Bolam, he married Gusta J. Peterson on November 11, 1951 in Ottawa. She passed away on November 13, 2015. He also was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, John O Bolam; one son, Philip Bolam; and one great-granddaughter, Natalie Bolam.

Surviving are four children, Richard Bolam, Jr., Leslie (Tim) Leitner, both of Pekin, Kathleen (Bobby) Brown of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, and Peter (Sally) Bolam of Temple Terrace, Florida; his daughter-in-law, Ella Bolam of Washington; nine grandchildren, Jeffery Bolam, Nathan (Jillian) Leitner, Emily (Matt) Olivos, Eileen Schaumleffle (Dave Sopark), Neal Schaumleffle, Claire Schaumleffle (Wyatt Buck), Finn Bolam, Zoe Bolam, and Wes Thompson; eight great-grandchildren, Jackson Bolam, Penelope Leitner, Sofia and Noah Olivos, Jettsen and Axel Buck, Hunter Thompson, and Lincoln Isakson. He also leaves behind his Swedish family, Soren, Charlotte, Erik, and Viktor Skog.

Richard graduated from Pekin High School in December 1945 and joined the Navy. He was a medic & played in the band. He also boxed while in the Navy. He attended Bradley University, which is where he met his future wife.

Richard played in many bands for more than 80 years. He had a life membership in the American Federation of Musicians, Local 301.

He first worked at Reinhard Lumber Company then began his own business, R.A. Bolam Real Estate. He also built many homes and later became a real estate appraiser.

He loved to fish and hunt, and enjoyed his boats. His musical legacy continues through his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Our dad’s favorite flower was petunias; as you plant your gardens and flower pots this spring, you may wish to plant some petunias in his memory.

He was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Pekin.

His funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 23, 2022 at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Pekin. Pastor Stephen D. Barnes and Tim Leitner SAM, his son-in-law, will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin, and also from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. Saturday at the church. Burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery in Pekin, with military rites accorded by the United States Navy and the Tazewell Area Ceremonial Team.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Tazewell Animal Protective Society, 100 Taps Lane, Pekin, IL 61554 or to Pekin Community High School Band Program, 1903 Court Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

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