Richard Hoots

WINCHESTER, Ill. -- Richard Hoots, 78, of Winchester, died Friday afternoon (Aug. 5, 2011).

Mr. Hoots, a retired farmer, was born March 28, 1933, a son of the late Ben and Emma Jane Gregory Hoots. 

He married Rosalie Todd Hoots Dec. 8, 1960. She died March 22, 1998.

Dick was the longest running Scott County Commissioner for 20 consecutive years. He proudly served his country in the U. S. Army. He was a member of the Julian Wells American Legion Post 442 for 57 years, serving proudly with the honor guard and the Masons of Winchester and White Hall for 50 years. He also served on the Scott County Farm Bureau board, MCS Community Services board, and worked many years for auctioneer Leroy Moss. He enjoyed playing the harmonica, square dancing, and traveling to country music shows.

He is survived by special friend, Mary Kesterson. He is also survived by three sons, Ronald Eddy of Ewing,Va., Gus Eddy of Roodhouse and J.B. Hoots of Winchester; three daughters, Brenda (husband Michael) McEvers of Jacksonville, Melissa Hoots of Winchester and Julie (husband Martin) DeFrates of Manchester; eight grandchildren, Stephanie (husband Ryan) Bandics of Henderson, Nev., Jared (wife Sara) Hoots of Mount Sterling, Derek Eddy of Roodhouse, Ashley Coultas and Brittany Eddy of Jacksonville, Kyle Eddy of Ewing, Va., and Megan and Jacob DeFrates of Manchester; four great grandchildren; two sisters, Hazel Moss of Woodson and Barbara (husband Larry) Derricks of Jacksonville; and brother Carl (wife Imogene) Gregory of Winchester.

Preceding him in death were three brothers, Rollie and Ray Hoots, and Harold (surviving wife Vera) Gregory.

SERVICES: 10 a.m. Tuesday in the Coonrod Funeral Home, Winchester, with the Rev. Jim Mackey conducting. Burial will be in Bloomfield Cemetery.

VISITATION: After 3 p.m. Monday in the funeral home with family present 5 to 8 p.m.

MEMORIALS: Bloomfield Cemetery or American Legion Honor Guard.

ARRANGEMENTS: Coonrod Funeral Home, Winchester.

WEBSITE: www.airsman-hires.com.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.whig.com.