Richard House

Richard “Dick” Thomas House, 81, of Decatur, IL passed away on Sunday, December 11, 2016 at Heritage Health Therapy & Senior Care, Mt. Zion, IL surrounded by his loving family. Visitation will be on Wednesday, December 14, 2016 from 6-8pm at the Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday, December 15, 2016 at 10:00am at St. Thomas Catholic Church, Decatur, IL. Graveside services will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Newton, IL at 3:00pm. Dick was born on November 3, 1935, the son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Southern) House. He attended Stephen Decatur High School and graduated from Benton Consolidated High School in the class of 1954. He also attended Southern Illinois University. He married Carolyn Diane Gorrell on December 1, 1957 and she has preceded him in death. Dick was president and owner of Tommy House Tire and a long time member of the Independent Tire Dealer and Retread Association. Dick was an avid Cardinal fan and enjoyed going to the Cardinal Spring training games in Florida. He loved coaching his sons in Khoury and Dean Phipps baseball leagues. In later years, he enjoyed the game of golf and worked at the Decatur Park District golf course at Red Tail Run. Dick was a proud member of St. Thomas Catholic Church. Before Dick’s illness, he was active at the YMCA working out and visiting with friends. He was well loved by family, friends and business associates. Dick was most proud of his family. He is survived by his children; Jaimee (Rod) Karasch, Jody K. Nolan, Beth (Henry) Austin, Thomas Robert (Michele) House, J. Martin House, and John Dee (Christy) House of Decatur, IL; and Molly K. Stewart (Don Gimbel) of Jacksonville, IL. Also surviving are grandchildren; Bryan and Sara Karasch, Timothy, Kaitlin, Keely (fiancé Karl Ferguson), Nolan, Matthew, Austin, Amanda (Nick) Grace, Mallory, Joel, Hayley, and Wyatt House; Hannah and Sam House; Andrew, Anna, Alexandra, and Avery Stewart; great grandchildren Emma Rose Karasch, Lucas, and Adeline Grace. Also surviving is one sister JoAnn (Timothy) Graham of Taylorville, IL; sister-in-law Jo Ann Gorrell, brother-in-law Martin (Connie) Gorrell, sister-in-law Bobette (Tommy) Martin. Also surviving are two very special cousins, Lowell (Sidney) and Phil (Carolyn) Southern whom he considered his brothers. Dick was preceded in death by his parents and son-in-law, Timothy K. Nolan. The family wishes to express their gratitude to Dr. Gregory Totel and staff, Suzie Brinkoetter Bird and staff, and Heritage Health Therapy & Senior Care. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to St. Thomas Catholic Church, Decatur, IL; or the ALS Foundation. "
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