Richard L. Bax

Richard L. Bax

Age 82 of Elwood, IL formerly of Morrison, IL passed away unexpectedly on Friday, January 23, 2026, at St. Joseph Medical Center, Joliet, IL. Richard was born in Jefferson City, MO to the late Gilbert and the late Helen (nee Zey) Bax.

Beloved husband of Mary Ellen (nee Mehmert) Bax; loving father of Richard (Kari Olsen) Bax Jr, Douglas (Heather) Bax, Nick (Colleen) Bax, and Nathan (Jennifer) Bax; cherished grandfather of Jake Bax, Deven Bax, Jackson (Molly) Bax, Ashley Bax, Kyle Bax, Logan Bax, and Leah Bax; dear brother of Gilbert (Carol Sue) Bax, the late Robert Bax, Clifford (late Judy) Bax, the late Dennis Bax, and Sue (Jody) Evans; loved uncle, cousin, and friend of many.

Richard retired from Quad Cities Generating Station, Cordova, IL. He was a proud U.S. Navy Veteran, passionate hunter, avid fisherman, and an enthusiastic pocket watch collector. He loved traveling, camping and golfing. He gave back to his community in many ways from serving on the finance council at St. Mary’s to participating in Knights of Columbus as well as supporting other charitable causes. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, particularly at their various sporting events. Richard will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Richard’s name may be made to the Veterans Assistance Commission of Will County - 2400 Glenwood Ave Ste. 110 Joliet, IL 60435 or the American Indian College Fund engage.collegefund.org.

The family will receive friends at Kurtz Memorial Chapel 102 E. Francis Rd, New Lenox, IL on Friday, January 30, 2026, from 3 pm – 8 pm. Funeral Services will be on Saturday, January 31, 2026, with prayers at the funeral home at 9:30am then to St. Jude’s Catholic Church, New Lenox, IL for Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am. Interment Maplewood Cemetery, New Lenox, IL.