Richard Norris

GOODFIELD - Richard L. "Dick" Norris, 84, of Goodfield, Ill., passed away at 2:55 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 26, 2010, at BroMenn Regional Medical Center in Normal, Ill.

He was born on Oct. 28, 1926, in Jerseyville, Ill., a son of Guy and Beulah Waters Norris. He married Esther Schmidgall on April 21, 1951, in Eureka, Ill. She survives.

Also surviving are two daughters, Kay Liebenow of Towanda, Ill., and Teresa Norris of Goodfield, Ill.; one son, Jeff Norris of Plainfield, Ill.; one grandson, John Rapp of Chicago; and one sister, Betty Fairchild of Jacksonville, Fla.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one son-in-law, Steve Liebenow.

An Army veteran, Dick served his country during the Korean War.

Dick owned and operated the Deer Creek Telephone Co. for over 40 years, providing service to seven small communities in the area. He sold the company in the early 1970s and continued to work in the telephone industry until he retired in 1988.

Dick enjoyed the outdoors. He especially loved fishing, gardening and flowers, and he had a great appreciation for nature. He also enjoyed woodworking and collecting model trains.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend to many who will be dearly missed.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2010, at Mount Hawley Community Church, 6900 N. Mount Hawley Road, Peoria, Ill. The Rev. Tom Malbone will officiate. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday evening at Argo-Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home, 508 S. Main St., Eureka, and from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. before the service at the church on Wednesday. Burial will be in Olio Township Cemetery in Eureka.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Mount Hawley Community Church, Woodford County Relay For Life, or a charity of the donor's choice.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at ruestmanharrisfuneralhome.com.