Richard Alderson, Jr.

Richard Monroe Alderson, Jr., 93, of Antioch, Illinois passed away on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 in Libertyville, Illinois. He was born November 10, 1931 in Bonham, Texas and was formerly of Woodstock, Evanston and Skokie, Illinois. He was a graduate and received his Doctorate degree at Northwestern University in Evanston and became the Associate Dean of the Graduate School of Music and Chairman of the Voice and Opera Department. He was an author of two books addressing vocal physiology, vocal pedagogy and the Art of Singing. Richard taught at other schools, including Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi, University of Georgia, University of Montana and DePaul University in Chicago. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge, was an ordained minister at the Methodist Church, having studied at the Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University.

Surviving are his wife of 48 years, Katherine Ann Alderson; four children, Richard M. Alderson, III (Karen), Patricia Alderson, Janice Alderson and Martha (John) Alderson-Lewellan; his brother, Willis Alderson and four sisters, Betty, Dorothy, Helen and Mary Ann.

Memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. 

Funeral service will be 1:00 p.m. Thursday, January 23, 2025, at Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home, 404 W. Dewitt Henry Dr., Beebe, Arkansas, with burial in Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens. www.smithfamilycares.com