Richard Ivan Swearingen

Richard Ivan Swearingen, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather passed away at home Saturday (August 8, 2020) at 6:30 a.m.  He was born April 20, 1938 in Urbana, son of Vern I. and Elsie (Peck) Swearingen. He married Ann Douglas Swearingen on August 9, 1957 and she survives.

A visitation will be held from 5:00 -7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 19, 2020 at Renner-Wikoff Chapel in Urbana. Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) we will be only letting in small groups at a time for Richards visitation and will require a mask be worn. Thank-you for your understanding and patience.

A private family memorial service and graveside service will be held on Friday, August 21, 2020.

He is survived by his children Penny (Neil Hasbrouck) Swearingen of Jonesville, MI; Rick (Koryn) of Lake Villa, IL and Brian (Julie) Swearingen of Sidney, IL. Nine grandchildren Tabetha Fitchner, Felicia Bonynge, Ashleigh Swearingen, Stephani Guy, Brooke Stempeck, Sebastian Cousins, Cameron Swearingen, (Richard) Jacob Swearingen and Cole Swearingen; and seven great grandchildren.  He is also survived by his sister-in-law Tonita Reifsteck and brother-in-law Kenneth Douglas, many nieces and nephews and his German Shepherd Rissi.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Laverne Hedgcock.

Richard spent his whole life in the Urbana area, graduating from Urbana High School in 1956 where he was active in sports and band.  He attended Illinois State University. He began farming in 1957 and retired in 2019.  He also had worked at the University of Illinois Facilities and Services where he retired after 25 years.

Family was the most important thing to him especially his beloved grandchildren.  He attended as many sporting events, livestock shows, concerts, plays as possible and never missed a graduation always encouraging them to do their best in all they did, but most importantly to enjoy it.  He treasured the family vacation times where he introduced them to water skiing, fishing, boating, watching for bald eagles and on rainy days learning to play euchre. 

Richard loved to travel and had visited or camped in all fifty states.  His favorites were the Redwood trees in California and his trip to Alaska.  He enjoyed tours and cruises he took with his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Wally and Toni to Europe and the Caribbean. Most of all he enjoyed doing the driving while enjoying the journey.

Richard was a member of St. Peter’s United Church of Christ for over sixty years and served as head of an usher team. He was a life member of the Urbana “U” Club and had served as president of the group. He coached Little League Baseball for many years and had served as President of the Urbana High Basketball Boosters. He was an avid Illini (having season basketball tickets for over 51 years), Chicago Cubs and Bear fan; enjoyed attending the Class of ‘56 monthly luncheons and regularly met with friends for chats at Arby’s.

Memorials may be sent to St. Peter’s United Church of Christ, 905. S. Russell Street, Champaign, IL  61821 or a charity of choice. 

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