Richard K. Emerson, age 83, a well-respected farmer from Perry, IL, passed away Sunday, February 20, 2022 at Blessing Hospital, Quincy, Illinois. He fought a courageous private battle with rheumatoid arthritis and cancer without complaint. Richard was born on August 3, 1938 in Decatur, Illinois the oldest son of Ralph Elmo and Viola Augusta (Pfeifer) Emerson. Mr. Emerson attended country schools in Christian County, attended grade school in Chambersburg, graduated from Perry High School in 1956, and also attended Western IL University. He met Patricia Gail (Orr) Emerson at 4-H camp at 11 years of age. They later started going steady the night of her junior prom, became engaged the night of her senior prom, and were married on February 22, 1958 in Stonington, Illinois. Together they built a beautiful life and family. They renewed their vows in February of 2008 and were 2 days from celebrating their 64th wedding anniversary. After his schooling, Richard worked at A. E. Staley in Decatur, Illinois, Mt. Sterling Implement Co., and managed Perry Lanes bowling alley. He then started farming which later included the partnership of R & R Farms. As a youth, he attended the Chambersburg Christian Church where he was a member. Richard was a natural athlete who played sports in school and played independent basketball as an adult. He traveled across the United States with the Perry Lanes traveling team to National Bowling Tournaments and for a time carried a 200-bowling average. Richard was a past member of the Perry High School Board of Education, Village of Perry Board, Perry Township Board and was co-founder of the Perry Lending Library that operated for 17 years offering free library services. He quietly helped friends, family and neighbors by offering assistance when needed. He was proud to be a farmer and passed his love of agriculture to his children, his son-in-law from Chicago, and his grandchildren. He was very active in their daily lives. Throughout the years, he enjoyed delivering suckers, jolly ranchers, doughnuts and juice boxes to his grandchildren. Mr. Emerson is survived by his wife; three daughters Brenda DeSpain, of Griggsville, Beth (Rick) Fencik of rural Chambersburg, and Barbara (Rick) Webel of rural Versailles; 10 grandchildren, Chad (Tomomi) Borrowman, Lyndsey (Chuck) Binstead, Derek (Caitlen) DeSpain, Drew DeSpain, Lexi DeSpain, Adam (Kirstie) Fencik, Lauren (John) Nergenah, Noah Fencik, Michael (Kaytlin) Risley, Steven (Tiffany) Risley; 4 step-grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; 15 step-great-grandchildren; and a brother, Dale Emerson of Moweaqua, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Gary Emerson; and a granddaughter, Ashley Marie Fencik. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Friday (February 25,2022) at the Airsman-Hires Chapel in Griggsville, IL. A visitation will be held from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Friday prior to the service. At the family’s request, masks are required. Burial will follow the service in Wilson Cemetery in Perry, Il. Memorials may be made to Pike County Unmet Needs and sent to Airsman-Hires Chapel, Box 513 Pittsfield, Il. 62692. Condolences may be sent the the family online at www.airsman-hires.com.