Richard "Dick" Early

Richard “Dick” Early, 96, of Penfield, IL passed away on the morning of Saturday, August 24, 2024 at Carle Hospital, Urbana.

He was born December 4, 1927 at the family house in rural Penfield, a son of John and Rose (Silvers) Early.  He married Sharon Sconce on February 17, 1962 at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, Penfield.  She survives.

Also surviving are a son Harold (Mary Beth) Early of Champaign, 5 daughters, Linda Monroy of Penfield; Sandra Early of Paxton, IL; Mary (Scott) Cropper of Alvin, IL; Charlotte Early of Urbana; Valeria (Jason) Smith of Champaign, a sister Barbara Overholt of Thomasboro, 10 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by 5 brothers, 3 sisters, a son-in-law Augy Monroy and a son John Russell Early, and a granddaughter Jamie Monroy.

Dick was a graduate of Armstrong High School.  He then entered the US Army and served 5 years during the Korean War.  He owned and operated the Gulf Service Station and The Oasis both in Penfield. He then worked at Griders Truck Repair in Urbana as a mechanic.  He retired from the University of Illinois in 2002 from the car pool.

He was a member of the Penfield American Legion for over 60 years. He was a lifelong member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church.

Dick dearly loved his family.

A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 on Wednesday at St. Lawrence Church.  Burial will follow at St Lawrence Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 on Tuesday evening at Lux Memorial Chapel, 1551 East Grove, Rantoul.