E Funk

E. Richard (Dick) Funk passed away Saturday, October 25, at Fair Havens Christian Nursing home, after a brief illness.Papa was born August 2, 1913 in Decatur, Illinois, the son of Leila Mae Lyons and John the Baptist Funk. In his ninety-five years, he lived many lives and enjoyed sharing his stories. As a youth living on Cleveland Avenue, he watched the dam being built. He also was an outstanding baseball player for the Industrial League, having once hit a homer at Johns Hill park all the way to Whitmer Street. Then, during the Depression years, he worked various jobs to support his wife and daughter, becoming a member of the Decatur Police Force. World War II took him to the Pacific, where he achieved the rank of Midshipmen 2nd Class aboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Boxer.Returning to Decatur, he rejoined the Decatur Police Department, working his way up and serving as Decaturs first juvenile officer. Known as Officer Friendly, he served for twenty-four years, then retired from DPD to join the Macon County Sheriffs office and achieved the rank of Deputy Sheriff. He retired in 1975. During retirement, he drove funeral coaches for Decatur Ambulance.At his side for almost sixty years was his wife, Sona. Married in 1932, they shared a love of travel, fishing and boating. They had many friends, both in Decatur, and from the various places they visited, especially their years as Snowbirds in Harlingen, Texas.After Sona had a stroke and was living at Fair Havens, Papa became a daily fixture there, helping in the dining room. He knew everyones coffee preferences, and gladly assisted anyone in need.He continued living independently, spending winter months in Texas, but always coming home to be with his family. His life long love for baseball was shown by his devotion to the Cubs. He spent this past baseball season hoping for his Cubbies to win it all.Funeral services will be held at Brintlinger & Earl Funeral Home at 2:00 P.M. on Thursday, October 30, 2008, with visitation one hour prior. Masonic Rites will be conducted by Macon Lodge #8 AF & AM. at service time. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery, with military rites conducted by Macon County Honor Guard. Memorials may be made to Disabled American Veterans.Papa was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Sona Skidmore Fund and son-in-law Major Herbert Dexter.He leaves cherished memories behind to his beloved daughter, Beverly Dexter Bonds, son-in-law Neal Bonds and their children: Vicki and Charlie McGorray of Decatur; Lynn and Jeff Roncolli of West Springfield, MA; Jay and Sandy Dexter of Decatur; Diane and Matt Andrick of Decatur; Doug and Michelle Dexter of Cary, NC. He will also be missed by the great-grandchildren of whom he was so very proud - Mike Ward (who he taught to drink coffee); Mario Roncolli; Susan, Daniel and Sarah Dexter; Samantha, Abigail, Corbin and Macklin Andrick; Alex, Alaina, Joshua and Julia Dexter.Godspeed, Office Friendly, we will miss you dearly. Condolences may be left to the family at www.brintlingerandearl.com. "
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