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Richard Luster

Richard Luster obituary, Streator, IL

Richard Luster Obituary

Richard Luster
Richard Luster 1954 – 2025
Richard Luster passed away peacefully at his home in Avon Park, Florida, on September 24, 2025. He was 70.
Born in 1954 in Streator, Illinois, Richard was a lifelong sports enthusiast whose love of adventure and family defined his life. He spent many years in his hometown before relocating to Arizona, where he enjoyed water skiing at Lake Pleasant and immersing himself in the excitement of the Phoenix Raceway. His passion for motorsports eventually led him to work at the Raceway, where he found joy in being part of the racing community.
Richard returned briefly to Illinois before moving to Kentucky, where he married Betty Whisman. Together, they shared many happy years surrounded by family. In 2022, he retired to Florida, drawn by his love for water and the peaceful lifestyle it offered.
Richard is survived by his daughter, Shanna Kauffman (Kurt), and his beloved grandchildren, Gregory and Grace. He is also survived by his siblings, Sherry Smithey (Dale) and Jeff Counsel.
He is fondly remembered by his former wife, Betty Whisman, and his stepchildren, Tanina Bishop (Jacob), Jason Schalte, Lisa Baird (David), and Laurie Bow (Kyle). His extended family includes stepgrandchildren, Courtney Oaks Akers, Madi Bishop, Allison Baird, Margaret Baird, Silas Baird, Emerson Camp, Jaxon Camp, Brinley Bow, and Everly Bow; and step-great-grandchildren, Elaina and Bennett Akers.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Patricia Tooley, and stepdaughter, Melissa Oaks.
Richard's love for sports, family, and the water brought him joy throughout his life. He will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, kind heart, and unwavering devotion to those he loved.
Service details will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to your local humane society in Richard's memory.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by My Web Times on Sep. 27, 2025.

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2 Entries

Phyllis Mills

September 27, 2025

I only met Rick in person twice. I'm ready for a teenager. Then in2023 as an adult. Rick had reached out to me on facebook. Turns out i'm his half sister. We met face to face again in 2023 at a restaurant called Ford's Garage 1/2 way between Tampa & Avon Park. How said all the years we missed, now we'll never get togather again. We have been in touch closely on Facebook but there was hope of getting together in person again
But there was a hope of getting together again.
We had the love of animals in common. We both were thrilled when he got Rusty. He loved that so much. He took him everywhere.

MERINDA

September 27, 2025

My heart goes out to Betty and his whole family. He was an important part of our lives for a long time and will be missed.

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