Richard Vance Skates (85) of Sterling, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 27th, with his beloved family by his side.

He was born on April 16, 1940 in Watseka, Illinois to Wayne and Ruth (Austin) Skates. His childhood was rich in the love of a large extended family and the close knit community of Onarga, Illinois. While attending Onarga High School, Richard was a gifted athlete in basketball and football. He was a 1,000-point career scorer in basketball and was part of the team that won the Iroquois County Tourney his senior year. After graduating from Onarga High School in 1958, Richard worked various jobs in and around Onarga before volunteering for the U.S. Army draft in 1962. He performed his basic training at Fort Knox, Kentucky; followed by training at Fort Benning, Georgia and Fort Huachuca, Arizona; and lastly serving for one year at Kagnew Station at Asmara, Eritrea on the Horn of Africa. He was always proud to serve our great country from 1962 to 1964. Richard married his high school sweetheart, Judith Bradshaw, on April 29, 1962. Together they raised a family in Sterling, Illinois. Richard and Judy were blessed with four wonderful children during their nearly 63-year marriage. Richard was a caring and devoted husband and father who loved his family immensely, and, in return, he was loved just as fiercely by them. After his service in the Army, Richard held various occupations before finding a job he loved as a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service in Sterling. He was known to many at the post office as “Roller”. A loyal and faithful friend to all who knew him, Richard’s network of relationships and the wisdom and encouragement he provided touched many lives. Richard was a gentleman of great character and possessed deep faith, and to know him was to love him. Although his family and friends were his greatest earthly passions, his love for Jesus Christ was even greater. He prayed for his family daily and wanted nothing more than to see his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren know and follow Jesus.

Survivors include his loving wife, Judy; two daughters, Polly Ward of Glendale, Arizona, and Kelly (Trent) Gillette of Rock Falls, Illinois; two sons, Douglas (Kristine) Skates and Robert Skates, both of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin; 10 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and many cherished first cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, his older sister Patricia (Don) Johnson, and his older brother Dennis (Kay) Skates.

Visitation is scheduled on Thursday, May 1st, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 1:00 p.m., at the McDonald Funeral Home, 1002 12th Avenue, Rock Falls, Illinois. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Richard and his precious life.

He was so dearly loved and is missed beyond words. His family is grateful that God is holding him now, and that they will be reunited with him one day. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Western Hills Baptist Church, 12301 W. Glendale Avenue, Glendale, Arizona, 85307