Ricky "Rick" Dean Veatch

Ricky "Rick" Dean Veatch, 72, of Roanoke, IL, passed away at his home on Tuesday, March 5, 2024.

Rick was born on April 20, 1951, in Peoria, IL, to Lester G. and Mabelle L. (Bally) Veatch and grew up in rural Roanoke.

He was a 1969 graduate of Roanoke-Benson High School. After high school, Rick attended Illinois Central College earning an Associate's Degree in Agriculture. According to Rick, he had been farming since he was 13, farming ground in Roanoke, Linn, and Cazenovia Townships, along with property in Benson and Pattonsburg.

Rick was part-owner of Veatch Bros. Farm Service and Excavating in Roanoke for 50+ years. He enjoyed running heavy equipment, as he put it "playing in the dirt".

Rick was known to many as RV or Uncle Rick. He was a very giving person helping out in many ways with many people, along with being a faithful donor to any cause for Veterans.

Rick is survived by his sister, Sharlette (Ed) Metts of Metamora, IL and nephews, Derek Metts (Alexis Pope) of Windsor, VA and Ryan Metts (Kelsey Wheelhouse) of Wilmington, MA; brother, Ronald (Linda) Veatch of Roanoke, IL and nephew, Scott (Courtney) Veatch of Goodfield, IL and niece, Sally (Steve) Brock of Morton, IL; three great-nieces; three great-nephews; and many close friends that both he and they each considered as brothers. He was preceded in death by his parents and nephew Darren M. Metts.

If you know Rick, you know he always had a plaid or flannel shirt, ball cap, and jeans on. The family requests that you do the same at his visitation and funeral service.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 am on Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at Mason Funeral Home Metamora Chapel with Pastor Gary Salm officiating. Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Monday, March 11, 2024 and also one hour prior to his service on Tuesday, both at the funeral home. Burial will be in Roanoke City Cemetery in Roanoke, IL. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at A J's Lounge in Benson, IL with time to be determined. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given in Rick's name to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516 or to Christian Union Church, 925 West Walnut Street, Metamora, IL 61548. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.

Wounded Warrior Project
P.O. Box 758516, Topeka KS 66675-8516
Web: http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/

Christian Union Church
925 West Walnut Street, Metamora IL 61548