Richard Dean Mosier's Obituary
Richard Dean Mosier died peacefully in his sleep on August 28th, 2022 in Glenview, Illinois. He was born November 14, 1926 in Lincoln, Illinois to Elmer and Edith (Conrad) Mosier. Raised in Lincoln, Illinois where in his senior year of high school he joined the Navy and served his nation proudly. He utilized his GI bill to get his college degrees. He graduated from Lincoln College/Bradley University with a BS in Liberal Arts. He later got a double Master’s in Education from Eastern Illinois University.
November 23, 1950 on a very snowy day, he married our Mother, Patricia (Patty Mae O’Dea), and they began their life together. Dad always liked to tell the story that he told our mom that they were going to have disagreements along the way but they could choose to either laugh or cry and that he was going to laugh! Always the eternal optimist.
He began his career in education in 1953 in Arthur, Illinois where he taught high school commerce courses, was the yearbook advisor, guidance counselor and was Senior class chaperon making annual trips to Washington D.C. by bus, and finally becoming the high school principal, covering the span of 15 years.
Richard next moved his family to Argenta, Illinois where he accepted the position of high school principal and spent the next 15 years raising his young family. Our mother served as his secretary, which was a testament to their relationship since they worked and lived together!
He retired from Argenta but continued with his career at the Job Training Partnership Act office in Decatur, Illinois. In his part-time position at Richland Community College in Decatur, Illinois he taught several courses, including one on Interpersonal Relationships. Our parents later moved to Chicago and took up residence there to be close to family. They enjoyed the big city life from going to the theatre to Bears games and musical venues.
For those of you who were fortunate to know Richard, he was bound to make an impression. Many would describe him as a motivational speaker, often mixing humor with life lessons. Education was his passion. Even into his 90’s you would find him chatting with others about current events and what career goals they might want to pursue.
And then there was his musical side! He started out in the Drum and Bugle Core of the Navy. Then there were the disco years. He even turned our basement into a discotheque! Having won Jitterbug contests as a young man, he loved disco music because he could use those same wonderful dance steps. He could also tap dance and would make an appearance each year at his grandchildren’s schools to put on a show, dancing to Rockin’ Robin on his boom box. Once he had their attention, he always worked in a pep talk on the virtues of a good education. Mission accomplished!
For 30 years he attended a Jazz Festival in Sacramento, California on Memorial Day weekend – we all enjoyed going with him to listen and dance to all the great jazz bands (Dixieland to Swing) from around the world. He often took a small tote containing his tap shoes – just in case.
One day he was in the band room in Argenta and they were throwing out a standup bass. Well as some of you know, that was an infamous day in our family’s history. We finally had a brother, Bob the Bass. He had some repairs done and took Bob to the basement. He then put on some big band music and
taught himself how to play. He later joined a group called the Goldenaires and played around town at nursing homes and community events well into his 80’s. Most recently he played for the residents at his independent living residence in Chicago. His most notable appearance was at Andy’s Jazz Club in Chicago. What a feather in his cap that was!
Some would witness his pool playing ability and seek an opportunity to play a game with him – few could beat him – he was that good! He even had a beautiful pool table installed in his basement in Argenta – a treasured investment. Over the years he taught all his grandchildren to be expert pool players, often surprising high school and college friends with their skill levels. No big money was ever wagered, but even in his later years he always enjoyed a game of pool with family and friends. At a recent family Christmas, we all received our own pool cue and monogrammed case as a gift.
Richard is survived by his two loving daughters, Nancy and Judy, his grandchildren, Suzanne Bell (Christopher Boldig) and their daughter Frances, Jillian Horn (Michael) and their children Greyson and Lincoln O’Dea, Margaret Gardiner (Evan) and their daughter Grace, and Jason Bell and his son Shephard. He is also survived by his loving dog, Moe Mosier.
He was preceded in death by his parents Elmer and Edith Mosier, his loving wife Patricia and his witty and kind daughter, Barbara.
His final weeks of life were spent listening to his favorite songs by Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra and Keely Smith. As Ms. Smith sings, I Wish You Love, it seems a perfect sentiment for this amazing man. We will always remember him as our very special Dad/Grandpa/Papa never forgetting how lucky we were to have him in our lives. His life was the epitome of a life well lived.
A visitation to pay your respects to Richard will be on November 12, 2022 from 1:00 to 4:00 at Graceland Fairlawn Funeral Home, 2091 N. Oakland Street, Decatur, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, we ask you to make a donation to the charity of your choice in his name.
Goodbye, no use leading with our chins
This is where our story ends
Never lovers, ever friends
Goodbye, let our hearts call it a day
(Let's call it a day)
But before you walk away
I sincerely want to say
I wish you bluebirds in the spring
To give your heart a song to sing
And then a kiss, but more than this I wish you love
And in July a lemonade
To cool you in some leafy glade
I wish you health and more than wealth, I wish you love
My breaking heart and I agree
That you and I could never be
So, with my best, my every best, I set you free
I wish you shelter from a storm
A cozy fire to keep you warm
But most of all, when snowflakes fall
I wish you love
Love you always, Your Family
What’s your fondest memory of Richard?
What’s a lesson you learned from Richard?
Share a story where Richard's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Richard you’ll never forget.
How did Richard make you smile?