Obituary of Richard Gathard

Richard "Dick" Gathard, 78, of Carlinville, formerly of Springfield and Chatham, IL passed away Saturday evening, December 3, 2016, at Friendship Home in Carlinville, IL. Dick was born June 13, 1938, in Springfield, IL, a son of Henry and Katherine (Spencer) Gathard. Dick graduated from Lanphier High School in Springfield, IL. He retired from the C&IM Railroad as a railroad machinist. Dick was a member of Federated Church in Carlinville. He was previously an active member at Westside Christian Church in Springfield and Chatham Presbyterian Church. Dick enjoyed working the sound board during worship services at Westside Christian and Chatham Presbyterian Churches. He loved hot rod cars, NASCAR, bird watching, Elvis and gospel music. He married Anna (Laycock) Nicholson on March 18, 1995 in Carlinville, IL. Dick was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Norma Reed. Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 8, 2016, 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Davis-Anderson Funeral Home, Carlinville, IL. Funeral Services will be conducted at 10:00 am, Friday, December 9, 2016 at Chatham Presbyterian Church, 1835 East Walnut Street, Chatham, IL. with a visitation from 9:00 am until the time of service. Burial will follow in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Springfield, IL. Richard is survived by his wife, Anna of Carlinville, IL; daughter, Cindy Parke of Peoria, IL; daughter, Katheline Foraker of Peoria, IL; son, Richard Lee (Lori) Gathard of Salisbury, IL; daughter, Tracy (Darrel) Speck of Pekin, IL; step-daughter, Sheila (Joe) Nicholson McCoy of Chatham, IL; step-son, Steve (Katie) Nicholson of Carlinville, IL, several grandchildren & great grandchildren. Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society or Federated Church. Davis-Anderson Funeral Home, Carlinville is in charge of arrangements.