Richard Masters

WASHINGTON - Richard E. Masters, 86, of Washington passed away at 1:45 a.m. Wednesday, March 18, 2015, at his home.

Dick was born on June 22, 1928, in Peoria to Roscoe and Gladys (Hilgers) Masters. He married his brown-eyed girl, Joyce Roberts on May 13, 1950, in Washington, and soon would have celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. Joyce survives.

Also surviving are one daughter, Susan (Darrell) Neal of Washington; one son, Richard "Rick" Masters of Pekin; four grandchildren, Tara, John, Rebecca and Valerie; and five great-grandchildren, Tyler, Caleb, Abraham, Samuel and Joseph.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Colleen Browder; and one sister, Shirley Zimmerman.

Dick had worked for Caterpillar for 38 years prior to his retirement. At the time he retired, he was the quality control manager at the Mossville facility.

He also had served in Germany and Camp Atterbury, Ind., with the United States Army.

He was a 1946 graduate of Washington Community High School and the Masters had been a recipient of the "Fan of the Year Award" by the high school.

During life, Dick enjoyed and always looked forward to the fishing trips in Minnesota. During retirement, Dick and Joyce were a constant team, when you saw one, the other along side and always looking forward to time with the children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A man of faith, Dick was a member of Evangelical United Methodist Church in Washington where he had served as a Stephen Minister for the congregation, a former Sunday school superintendant, youth director for many years and various other duties as called for by the church. Dick also had been a volunteer for many years at Peoria Rescue Mission. The use of his talents to these groups gave Dick a lot of joy during his life.

A service to celebrate Dick's life will be held on Sunday, March 22, 2015, at Evangelical United Methodist Church at 4 p.m. with Pastor John Hauck officiating. The family will receive friends from 2 p.m. until time of service. Cremation rites have been accorded and Mason-White Funeral Home is assisting the family in arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Peoria Rescue Ministries or Evangelical United Methodist Church.

Online condolences may be made at masonfuneralhomes.com.