Richard Yemm

GALESBURG - Richard "Dick" S. Yemm, 89, of Galesburg died Thursday, Feb. 19, 2015, at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, surrounded by family.

Dick was born Sept. 25, 1925, in Canton, Ill., the son of the Rev. Stephen E. and Fern Shurtleff Yemm, both of whom preceded him in death, in addition to his brother, William "Bill" Yemm, and his dear mother-in-law, Elizabeth Clarke. He married Elizabeth "Betty" Gooding on Oct. 20, 1950, in Knoxville, Ill. She survives. Together, they celebrated 64 memorable years of marriage.

Also surviving are one daughter, Beth Miller (Steve) of Dunlap, Ill.; one son, Rick Yemm (Jamie) of Galesburg; five grandchildren, Katie Schrader (David) of Orlando, Fla., Bryan Miller (Liz) of Fort Worth, Texas, Amy Miller of Minneapolis, Minn., Rich Yemm of Peoria and Sara Yemm of Galesburg; along with many friends who will miss his infectious smile and outgoing personality.

He attended Knoxville High School for 3 1/2 years and graduated from Cuba High School in 1943. After graduation, he served in the U.S. Navy during World War II from 1943 to 1946. He was stationed domestically in Virginia, Rhode Island and California, and then he served overseas in China and as an assistant to the battalion doctor in the Philippines. Upon his discharge, he attended Kansas State University, graduating in 1950 with a business degree. While there, he and his brother, Bill, became charter members of Delta Upsilon chapter of Sigma Chi Fraternity.

Since his return from college, Dick was a lifelong resident of the Knoxville-Galesburg area. He was a member of the Knoxville Presbyterian Church for many years, where he served as deacon, trustee, and elder. He later became a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Galesburg.

Dick was a 60-year member of the Knoxville Masonic Lodge, the Knoxville Order of the Eastern Star and the Knoxville American Legion. He also belonged to the following organizations for over 50 years: the Royal Arch Masons, the Moline Consistory and the Mohammed Shrine (Illinois Council). In addition, he was a member of the Galesburg Elks and the Sons of the American Revolution.

Dick served his community as a member of the former Home Savings and Loan (later known as United Federal Savings & Loan) Board and on the Cottage Hospital Board. He also served as a director of the Illinois Auto Dealers Association and on the Chevrolet Dealers Council for many years.

He began his career in the automobile business in 1951 as a salesman for Wright- Allensworth Chevrolet, which later became Jeff Good Chevrolet. In 1961, Dick and Ray Weaver purchased the dealership. Since 1994, the dealership has been owned and operated by Dick and his son, Rick, while adding the Buick, GMC, Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram franchises. In his 50-plus years of ownership, he always considered his employees as his extended family. He continued to be an active participant in the business until the time of his death.

The three most important things in Dick's life were faith, family and friends. He graciously fulfilled his purpose in life as a devoted husband and loving father, all the while leading by example as a doting grandfather. His honesty, integrity and zest for living were evident in both his personal and professional lives.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Dr. Dale Mueller and the entire staff of the OSF CICU floor for their professional care, kindness and support.

The visitation will be held today, Feb. 23, 2015, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel. Funeral service will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Galesburg on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2015, at 10 a.m., with the Rev. Shawn Smith officiating. Military honors will be accorded at the church, following the funeral service. Interment will be in Knoxville Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Galesburg First Presbyterian Church, 101 N. Prairie St., Galesburg, IL 61401; the Knoxville First United Presbyterian Church, 105 W. Main, Knoxville, IL 61448; or to a charity of the donor's choice.

Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.