Richard Elliott

Richard R. Elliott, 91, of Danville, passed away at 8:03 PM on January 5, 2014 at Presence United Samaritans Medical Center in Danville. He was born in Danville at Lakeview Hospital on April 21, 1922, the son of Lynn L. and Adeline (Meeker) Elliott. He loved and married his High School girlfriend Barbara Jean Bell on January 1, 1943 at Central Christian Church. She preceded Richard in death on February 16, 2007. They had celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary in January. He will be deeply missed by two daughters, Penny Elliott of Urbana, Nancy (Steve) Skinner of Naperville, one son, Rick (Lynn) Elliott of Crossville, TN, grandchildren, Shannon (Randy) Smith of Nashville, TN, Christopher (Joanne) Elliott of Roswell, GA, Allison Elliott of Urbana, IL, great grandchildren, Spencer Elliott, Mia and Miles Sherman and one aunt, Mary Jane Stephens of Danville. Richard was preceded in death by his parents step-father, Harry Russell, and wife. Dick Elliott worked at Fischer theatre while in high school for a period of six years. Starting out as an usher and working his way up to becoming manager before he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in September of 1942. Serving in the Pacific theater of war for over three years, earning two bronze stars for action against the enemy in the Solomon Islands and two bronze stars in defense of Piva Yoke, Bougainville, until honorably discharged as a five striped Tech Sergeant in 1945. After returning to civilian life he entered into a partnership in Russell Sign Company of Danville, eventually becoming owner. He retired in 1985 after nearly forty years of hand painted sign work. He enjoyed life and all it offered. He loved his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren with all his being. He loved being with friends and will hate to miss all the mysteries and events that will unfold in the world. He had been an avid golfer, gardener of flowers and a lover of all animals. He was a member of the American Legion, Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, Vermilion County War Museum Foundation and a former member of the Elks and Danville Boat Club. A celebration of life memorial service for Dick will be held on Thursday, January 9, 2014 at 11:00 AM at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Danville with Pastor James Blue officiating. Per Dicks request he will be cremated and entombed at Sunset Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made in Dicks name to St. Judes Research Hospital. Please join Dicks family in sharing photos, videos and memories of him through his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com