Richard Sturgeon

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Richard "Dick" Allen Sturgeon, 94, a devoted husband, loving father, and respected educator, passed away on Sept. 14, 2025, in Louisville, Ky.

Born on April 9, 1931, Richard's life was a testament to his passion for family, education and community.

Richard was married to the love of his life, Barbara (Brown), for 69 years. Their enduring partnership was a source of inspiration to all who knew them.

A lifelong learner and leader, Richard earned his undergraduate degree from Illinois Wesleyan University and a master of education from the University of Illinois. He dedicated his career to shaping young minds, serving as an elementary school principal for over 28 years. He was the founding principal of Thomas Paine Elementary in Urbana, where his leadership and warmth left a lasting impact on countless students and staff.

Beyond his professional life, Richard was an accomplished athlete. As a high school basketball player in Hillsboro, he played in the 1949 state championship game. He continued his basketball career at Illinois Wesleyan, where his love for the game continued to flourish. Later in life, Richard enjoyed playing golf several times a week at the University of Illinois Orange and Blue courses in Savoy. He remained a devoted sports fan throughout his life, cheering passionately for the St. Louis Cardinals and the UI's Fighting Illini sports teams.

Richard was a man of deep faith, serving as both an Elder and a Deacon at the First Presbyterian Church in Urbana. His commitment to his church community was a reflection of his kind and generous spirit.

Richard is survived by his brother, Gene (Catherine) Sturgeon; son Mike (Karen) Sturgeon of Monticello; and daughters, Anne Johnson of Villa Hills, Ky., and Jennifer (Greg) Rousos of Louisville, Ky. Grandchildren include Jaime (Garrett) Reveal of Monticello, Dylan (Belinda) Sturgeon of Monticello, Kaytlin (Jordan) Hume of Covington, Ky., Zachary Johnson of Tampa, Fla., Spencer (Alexis) Johnson of Exeter, Calif., Elizabeth (Christian) Cain of Cincinnati and Emily (Cory) Reinert of Louisville. Great-grandchildren include Aria Reveal, Graisyn Reveal, Leina Louise Sturgeon, Samuel Sturgeon, Kyler Hume, Payson Hume, Dayne Hume, Tatum Johnson and Annabelle Reinert.

The family is deeply grateful for the love and care he received from the wonderful staff at The Enclave of East Louisville.

The family requests that memorial contributions in honor of Richard Sturgeon be made to The First Presbyterian Church in Urbana (firstpresurbana.org).

A private family memorial will be held at a future date.

His legacy of love, dedication, and service will be deeply missed by his family, friends and the many lives he touched.