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BORN
1951
DIED
2017
FUNERAL HOME
Richard McGahey Obituary
Richard was born July 20, 1951, in Galesburg, the son of John P. and Jean L. Zeltner McGahey. He is survived by his daughter, Heather McGahey of Galesburg; two sons, Steve (fiance, Amber) McGahey of Gilson and Joe McGahey of Galesburg; one brother, Bradley (Brenda) McGahey of Alexis; and one sister, Janet (Dana) Costin of Galesburg. He is also survived by his seven grandchildren, Brooklynn, Sydney, Phoenix, Carson, and Braxton McGahey, and Malika and Maliyah Wilder. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Richard served in the U.S. Army as an infantryman sniper, serving two tours in Vietnam, and earning a Purple Heart, Bronze Star, National Defense Service Medal, Combat Infantry Badge and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. He worked for many years for ACBL Barge Lines, working on the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. He loved to be on the river and always felt at home there. Richard enjoyed listening to music and cooking out. But most of all, he loved being surrounded by his family.
Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, May 25, 2017, at Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory. Graveside service will be 11 a.m. Friday in the veteran's section at East Linwood Cemetery, with military rites by Galesburg 2257/285 Honor Guard. Memorials may be made to Heather McGahey in c/o Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard McGahey
Sponsored by Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory - Galesburg.
4 Entries
Stan McGahey
May 16, 2024
Cousin Rick was a Vietnam combat vet and paratrooper with the 101st Airborne Division. He was a tough soldier who saw lots of action. RIP Rick!
Rayna Jones
May 23, 2017
Rest easy my friend. Much love.
lois gustafson
May 23, 2017
Thank you for your service to this great country of ours. We all know that when you passed that you went straight into the arms of God in heaven. Rest in Peace.
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Memorial Events
for Richard McGahey
May
25
Visitation
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory - Galesburg1849 N Seminary St, Galesburg, IL 61401
Funeral services provided by:
Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory - Galesburg1849 N Seminary St, Galesburg, IL 61401
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