A graveside service will be held Friday, May 17, 2024 for 72-year-old Richard P. Vasquez of Chester, Ill., who passed away at 11:42 a.m., Sunday, May 12, 2024 at Memorial Hospital, Chester, Ill.
He was born July 17, 1951 in Chester, Ill. a son of Richard and Mary Ellen (nee Daniel) who both preceded him in death.
Richard married Laura Darnstaedt on June 5, 1971; she survives in Chester, Ill.
He is survived by two children: Jennifer (Clay) Lowery of Gulf Shores, Ala. and Jason (Rachel) Vasquez of Chester, Ill.; his mother-in-law: Nora Darnstaedt (favorite Mother-in-law); four siblings:
Kay (Larry) Fox, Ruth Vasquez, Jean (Rick) O’Dell and Lynn (Wayne) Gerler; seven grandchildren:
Courtney Johnson (Chase Usher), Jared Johnson (Myrah Whittington), Landon Hornbostel, Olivia Vasquez, Codey Stewart, Brandy Stewart and Brittney (Marcus) Hurley; six great grandchildren: Makenzie, Makayla, Makhi, Makalyn, Colson and Mya; a great Grandchild due June 2024; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Richard was proud of the large Vasquez family and his heritage with 67 first cousins and 180 second cousins and so many who followed.
He was also preceded in death by his father-in-law – Lawrence Darnstaedt.
He had worked as a locomotive engineer for Union Pacific for 40 years.
Richard was of the Catholic faith.
He was also a member of the Eagles Aerie No. 3252 in Chester.
It was Richard’s wish to be cremated.
A graveside service for 72-year-old Richard P. Vasquez of Chester, Ill., will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, May 17, 2024 at St. John Lutheran Cemetery in Chester, Illinois with Pastor Rick Sutton officiating.
A Celebration of Life will follow immediately at the V.F.W. in Chester.
Memorials may be made to St. John Lutheran Church in Chester and are being accepted at Pechacek Funeral Home in Chester.