Richard D. Rafford, age 90, of Oswego, Illinois passed away on Sunday, November 6, 2022. He was born on November 26, 1931 in Ashland, ME. Richard served his country in the United States Air Force.

Richard is survived by his loving wife, Merida Pell-Rafford; children, Rick (Pam) Rafford, Cindy (Troy) Anderson; step-children, Raymond (Sue) Pell, Brian (Laura) Pell, Glen Pell; grandchildren, Bradley (Kailey) Rafford, Christopher Rafford, Noel King, Ellie King, Bob (Cheryl) Pell, Brad (Tracy) Pell, Jennifer (Jason) Veguilla, Nicole (Brian) DePuy, Caitlin Pell, Devin Pell, Dylan Pell, Brandon Pell, Lia Pell; many great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Esther (nee Howes) Rafford; his first wife, Lois (nee Wilcox) Rafford; and brothers, Roderick, Arnold, Roger and Dwinal Rafford.

One of Richard’s greatest accomplishments was being a devoted husband, father, grandfather and stepdad. He was always willing to do anything to support our passions in life with a sense of humor and with his favorite song belted out via his passion to whistle. After serving in the air force, Richard was an airline mechanic for American Airlines for 31 years. He always enjoyed fixing things that needed repair or to build something new in his wood working shop in the basement. His family, friends and neighbors could always rely on him to share his expertise and to help out in return for a good laugh and a cold beer.

Visitation will be held on Friday, November 11, 2022 from 3:00 p.m. until the time of service 7:00 p.m. at Beidelman-Kunsch Funeral Homes & Crematory, 24021 Royal Worlington Drive, Naperville, Illinois. Interment with military honors will be held on Saturday, November 12, 2022, 11:00 a.m., at Risen Lord Cemetery Chapel, 1501 Simons Road, Oswego, Illinois. Memorials in Richard’s name may be made to Divine Hospice or the Alzheimer’s Association.

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