Richard Whittington

Pecatonica - Richard (Dick) Whittington passed away peacefully on March 10th, 2023, with his loving family surrounding him. He was born in Fort Dodge, IA on May 27th, 1930. Meet his wife at a high school dance, started holding hands and never stopped. The couple was very proud to be married for 74 years. He served as a Master Sargent in the U.S. Air Force for four years stationed in San Antonio, TX. After returning from the service his father helped him build his wife and family home. Dick was employed at Illinois Bell for 31 years. He started Whittington Phone Service after retiring and had his own company for six years. He played soft ball in Rockford on many leagues. Dick was a Chief Stewart of this district at Illinois Bell for several years. He was a member of Evans Methodist Church for 17 years then joined United Methodist Church in Pecatonica, IL. He started and coached soft ball league in Pecatonica for the girls' team. Dick traveled to all the states with his wife and family. Dick taught Sunday School at Evans and United Methodist churches. He held numerous official church offices. Dick was a member of the American League. He enjoyed wood working as a hobby, repaired antique clocks for many people and he would also repair, phones at local residents. As a youth during World War II, he sold newspapers to soldiers at Camp Grant, set bowling pins at a local alley and was an usher at the Coronado Theater. After retirement he enjoyed spending time in Texas with his wife as a winter Texan for 15 years. The family would like to thank Dick's cousin Eddie Whittington for all his support to him and his family. Dick loved his family and survived by his wife Joyce (Sadewater) Whittington, he has two loving daughters Jan (Tom) Sluiter, Eileen Whittington, brother Denny (Sharon) Whittington, grandchildren Garen (Jodi) Kloster, Justin Kloster and great grandchildren Drew, Braelyn, Ryle, Bryson and Benson, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Dick was predeceased by his parents Richard Henry Whittington Sr, Irene (Hulett), a daughter they love and miss and son-in-law Cindy (Chris) Collalti, Sister Colleen (Norm) Showers and infant brother William Whittington.

A funeral ceremony will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 16, 2023, at Pecatonica United Methodist Church 528 Washington St Pecatonica with Pastor Roland Hayag officiating. A luncheon will immediately follow the funeral ceremony. Burial will be in Twelve Mile Grove Cemetery with military rites. A visitation will be held at the Church from 10:00 a.m. until time of ceremony, Thursday.

To view additional details about Richard's Services, including any available live streams: https://my.gather.app/remember/richard-whittington