Richard Elmer Lively Sr.
Richard Elmer Lively Sr., 83, of Du Quoin, passed away at 12:25 p.m., Wednesday, July 17, 2013 at his residence. He had been fighting an on-going battle of heart and kidney disease and had been in Des Peres Hospital from April 29 through May 31. He was then able to go to Pinckneyville Hospital for one week of therapy and thankfully released from there to come home.
He was born Oct. 25, 1929 at Tamaroa, Ill., the son of George and Bertha (Meece) Lively.
In 1948, Richard married his first wife, Bernice Rice. In that union they were blessed with 11 children. Bernice preceded him in death. Then on Feb. 11, 1986 at Tamaroa, Richard married Charlotte Leggans. They had one child together.
Richard was a World War II veteran, who served in the United States Army and was stationed in Panama. He was very proud to serve his country and talked of it often. He worked for 25 years on the freight docks in St. Louis. Then he became owner and operator of Lively's Tavern in Tamaroa. He was in operation for several successful years, making many good friends. Lastly, he began working in asbestos removal and felt very fortunate to have all six sons working by his side and traveling job to job together. Richard had a love for nature and being outdoors. Some of his most favorite activities included camping, water skiing, mowing grass, gardening and looking at beautiful sceneries. He was a member of the Du Quoin Nazarene Church. He was also a member of the American Legion and the Du Quoin Eagles.
He will be greatly missed by all his family and loved ones.
Richard is survived by his wife Charlotte of Du Quoin and 10 children - Rick Lively and Sherry of Du Quoin, Janet Lively of Du Quoin, Ronnie Lively and Jill of Du Quoin, Debbie Lively and Jim of Du Quoin, Brenda Townes of Du Quoin, Sherry Turney of Tamaroa, Susan Cox and Mike of Springfield, Ill., George Lively of Tamaroa, Bruce Lively and Janie of Tamaroa, Alicia Lively and Corky of Du Quoin and step daughter - Nicole Loucks of Du Quoin, four sisters - Ruth Hill of Tamaroa, Eva Connor of Du Quoin, Mary Thomas of Du Quoin and Hazel Kotel of Arizona, 29 grandchildren, and 20 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two sons - Keith Lively and Steven Lively, his first wife - Bernice Lively, two granddaughters - Sheena Lively and Natasha Lively, one brother - George Lively and one sister - Helen Lively.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin.
Friends may call from Noon until the time of service on Wednesday at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin.
For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.