Richard Glenn Harsy's Obituary
Richard Glen Harsy passed away peacefully at his home on February 9, 2018.
Richard was born on September 7, 1933 in DuQuoin, Illinois to George Henry and Ella Eva (Heumann) Harsy. He graduated from DuQuoin High School, joined the Air Force after graduation, and was based in Savannah, Georgia. He attended Southern Illinois University, and began his career in sales and marketing in the food distribution business. He received many honors for sales accomplishments throughout his career. His employers, which included DuQuoin Packing Co., Rath Packing Co., and The Schaper Co. of Illinois looked to him to open the toughest territories and lead the businesses to greater success. He worked hard all his life. He retired from The Schaper Co. of Illinois in 2000 as Vice President of Sales and Marketing.
Richard lived an active life in retirement, and always said there were so many things that needed to be done that he didn’t know how he had time for a job. He loved RV’ing, and traveled to many parts of the U.S., often spending winters in Donna, Texas. When the opportunity arose, you would see him having a good time on the dance floor. His passion was bass fishing, whether at Lake Shelbyville or in Mississippi. Many good-sized large-mouth bass were caught with the IUKA Bassers Bass Club, friends, and family, and got bigger over the years.
Richard could fix anything, especially if had a gasoline engine, from his days as “Hot Shot” in DuQuoin repairing Whizzer motorbikes, to his later years working on cars, boats, and lawn mowers. If you had a problem making something run, Richard could offer insightful advice, or just fix it for you.
Family was first for Richard. He was always there for his children, helping them with whatever they needed. It was important to him to maintain connections with his extended family in Southern Illinois. He often showed his love through food. When you stopped in, the first question was “Are you hungry?” The answer didn’t matter, because the food would come out on the table, and conversation would flow over a meal, large or small.
Richard is survived by his five children, Stephen Harsy of Oro Valley, AZ, Sandra Dotson of Decatur, IL, Dale (Beth Delaney) Harsy of Citrus Heights, CA, Gary Harsy of Decatur, IL, and Douglas (Jaril) Harsy of Southlake, TX; Fiancee Pat Uphoff; six grandchildren, Christopher Harsy, Nicolas Harsy, Roxie Danyus, Blake Dotson, Mason Harsy, and Nolan Harsy; four great-grandchildren, Beau Danyus, Elija Danyus, Maci Dotson and Lyla Dotson; and many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents; five brothers, Kenneth Harsy, Carl E. Harsy, Robert Harsy, John Harsy, and Wilford Harsy, and one sister, Lorene Sharp.
Funeral services to celebrate the life of Richard Harsy will be 5 pm Thursday, February 15, 2018, at Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home, 2091 N. Oakland Ave., Decatur, IL. Visitation will be from 3 pm to 5 pm Thursday at the funeral home before the service. Burial will be at 11 am Friday, February 16, 2018, at Sunset Memorial Park in DuQuoin, IL. Please view the online obituary, send condolences, and share memories at www. Graceland/Fairlawn.com.
Video Tribute for Richard Glenn Harsy: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/PLDBJN99P8CL9JXY
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