Richard "Rick" E. Whitby, Jr.

Richard E. “Rick” Whitby, Jr., 71, of Metamora, IL, passed away at 1:20 pm on Friday, August 18, 2023, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center from COPD.

He was born on January 12, 1952, in Peoria, IL, to Richard E. and Shirley (Faircloth) Whitby, Sr. He married Anita A. White on July 8, 1972, in Spring Bay, IL.

Surviving are his wife of 51 years, Anita of Metamora; three children, Fredrick Whitby, Daniel Whitby, and Jessica (David) Leach, all of Metamora; mother, Shirley Jackson of Metamora; twelve grandchildren, Drake Whitby, Gracie Whitby, Caio Whitby, Carmen Whitby, Isabella Whitby, Jackson Culbertson, Samantha Hilst, Lydia Leach, Solomon Leach, Esther Leach, Kai Leach, and Presley Leach; two brothers, Robert (Susan) Whitby of Peoria and Grady Jackson of Metamora; and his beloved pug, Rocky. He was preceded in death by his father, Richard Whitby, stepfather, Murel Jackson, brothers, Roger Whitby and Ronald Whitby, and sister, Barbara Whitby.

Rick was in the Air Force National Guard for six years. In his younger years he enjoyed spending time working in the youth services program at The Neighborhood House in Peoria. He worked as a bonded security guard at Curtis Detective Agency and then as a welder for Caterpillar Tractor Company for 30 years.

Throughout his life, Rick enjoyed various athletic activities such as horseback riding, golf, volleyball with his kids, and other outdoor ventures including camping and fishing with family. When he wasn’t participating, he still loved to watch a variety of sports from basketball and football to racing and golf, but most of all he enjoyed watching his kids play. When he wasn’t watching sports, he could be found watching westerns, especially John Wayne, or playing cards with his family.

When first meeting Rick you might get the impression that he was a very serious, stoic man. Getting to know him revealed a man with a big heart who always put family first. A kind, laid-back soul, he loved to make people laugh.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am on Sunday, September 3, 2023, at Mason Funeral Home Metamora Chapel with Pastor David Leach officiating. No visitation will be held. A Celebration of Life will be held immediately following the memorial service at Metamora Fire Station, 120 S. Davenport St. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to help offset medical expenses through the Richard E. Whitby, Jr. Memorial Fund, c/o Heartland Bank and Trust Company, 105 North Menard Street, Metamora, IL 61548 or to any other Heartland Bank branch. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.

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