Richard Charles Worland, Age 86, of Olney, IL. passed away peacefully Sunday, December 22, 2024, at Gentle Care Nursing Home and Rehabilitation under Good Samaritan Hospice Care, Vincennes, IN.
Born April 28, 1938, a lifelong resident of Joliet, IL, until moving to Olney, Illinois, in 2003. He was the son of Charles R. and Ann F. Worland (Ancel). Dick is survived by his son Kenneth R. Worland of Gloucester, VA, and daughter Camille Stephens (Ronald) of Olney, IL – grandchildren Alyssia of California, Amber Worland and Kendall (Alex) Fluckiger of Virginia, grandson Reid Stephens and step-grandchildren Aerielle and River (Callie) Stephens, FL, – great-granddaughter Lucy.
Richard was preceded in death by his wife Rosalie (Loffler) Worland, his parents Charles and Ann Worland, son Donald Charles Worland, daughter-in-law Shelley Worland, and loving dog and companion Shelby.
Richard was a graduate of Joliet Catholic High School, Joliet, IL. Graduate of Lewis University, Lockport, IL. receiving his Aircraft/Engines & Airframe Federal license. He served in the United States Navy stationed in Key West, FL. where he became a licensed aircraft pilot. He was employed by Argonne National Lab. as Chief Optical Tooling Technician and Fermi National Lab. as Experimental Area Coordinator from which he retired in 2002. In his spare time, he rebuilt and painted cars with his sons in his family run garage, KenDons, creating some of the most beautiful vehicle restorations.
Richard was a life member of the Amateur Trapshooting Association and an avid trap shooter. Member of the Bible Grove Sportsman Club, County Line Rod & Gun Club, Clay County Sportsman Club, Vincennes, IN. Trap Club, Oak Town, IN. Trap Club, Gordon Trap & Skeet Club Robinson, IL, and
Albion Gun Club. Dick enjoyed teaching his grandson Reid how to shoot and be a part of Blaze Orange Shooting Team for a few years. A former member of Joliet Rivals Club and Joliet Elks, a “Mended Heart Visitor” at Provena St. Joseph Medical Center for 12 years, saxophone player in the Olney Community Band, playing alongside grandson River, and a member of St Mary of the Assumption, Sainte Marie, Il.
For those of us who were blessed to know this man, our lives are forever changed for the better. Whether it was working on cars in the garage on Ardith St., standing alongside him in the congregation at The Cathedral of St. Raymond’s, singing in the choir at St. Joseph’s Church, following him out to the lake to take Shelby on her “rides,” eating his delicious pastry treats, or waving to him as you drove by his house as he sat and visited with neighbors, he will be missed dearly by all. He always had a kind heart, a helping hand to whoever needed it (or a tool for the job), and a sense of humor that his kids and grandkids are proud to carry on.
At Richard’s request, Cremation rites were accorded. A Celebration of Life mass will take place at St Mary of the Assumption, Sainte Marie, Il, date still pending. His remains will then be transported to Resurrection Cemetery in Romeoville, Illinois, for a graveside service at a later date – Memorials can be made to St. Mary of the Assumption, Sainte Marie, Il. or the wonderful Good Samaritan Hospice of Vincennes, Indiana. Meyer Funeral Home in Olney, Illinois is assisting the Family with the arrangements.
The family would especially like to give their heartfelt appreciation to all the doctors and hospice staff at Good Samaritan, the nurses and staff at Gentle Care Nursing home and Rehab, and Carle Richland County EMT’s, for their grace and care with Richard in his final days.
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