Richard Ivester, formerly of Du Quoin
Richard Ivester, a former resident of Du Quoin, Illinois, died Aug. 30, 2020 in Oklahoma City at the age of 87 after battling complications of COVID-19.
Richard was born in St. John's on Feb. 9, 1933 to John Ivester and Bessie Downs. The youngest of three, he loved his family fiercely and has said that no one could ask for a better family than he had.
Richard served his country during the Korean War with the 140th battalion, entering into active service the 6th of March, 1953. He was awarded a National Defense Service Medal, a United Nations Service Medal, and a Korean Service Ribbon. Although he hated the cold of Korea and leaving his family, he was proud of his service and would share stories about "slinging drinks" in the officers' mess hall.
Richard loved to recall the famous military figures he was able to meet, including John Eisenhower, Dwight D. Eisenhower's son. On the 27th of January 1955, Richard was honorably discharged, ending his military service.
After the Army, Richard became a state of Illinois employee working as a prison guard. He eventually retired to enjoy a bachelor's life of leisure.
Richard had strong opinions about living an active life, full of walking, and free from vices such as alcohol or tobacco. His favorite hobbies included watching classic movies, following politics, going to restaurants and last, but not least, guns. Nothing made Richard happier than getting a good deal on a great gun. He would say that if you're starting to get down and depressed it was important to give yourself a goal. His goal was usually to acquire a new Winchester or Browning.
Richard had a knack for seeing the good in people. Even when someone would treat him unkindly, he would say it wasn't their fault, they probably had a hard life and that's what made them act that way. He was slow to anger, quick to smile, and content to quietly enjoy the world around him. He will be greatly missed.
Richard is predeceased by his siblings Mildred Schneider and Maxine Pyle; his nephews, Rick Schneider and Jerry Schneider; and his great-nephew Rodney Pyle.
Richard never married, nor had children. He is survived by his two nephews, Gary Wayne Pyle and Kevin Pyle; and a slew of great-nieces and nephews including Carol McDonald, Tanya Adamson, Sean Pyle, Casey Walling, Jill VanZandt, January Divelbiss, Renee Burdel, Janie Miller and Holden Pyle.
A graveside service will be held at Sunset Memorial Park in Du Quoin, IL at 11 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 4, 2020 with military graveside rites by the Du Quoin V.F.W. and American Legion. All attendees are asked to wear a mask.
Visitation will be held prior to the service, from 10 to 11 a.m. on Friday at Sunset Memorial Park. All attendees are asked to wear a mask.
Due to health concerns related to the COVID-19 virus and the signing of the executive order by Gov. J.B. Pritzker, attendance will be limited to 50 people and social distancing will be enforced.
Pyatt Funeral Home in Du Quoin has been entrusted with arrangements.
For more information or to sign an online guest register, visit www.pyattfuneralhome.com.