Richard L. McGahey

Richard Lee “Grizz” McGahey, 65, of Galesburg, died Friday, May 19, 2017 at home in Galesburg.

Richard was born July 20, 1951 in Galesburg, the son of John P. and Jean L. Zeltner McGahey. He is survived by his daughter, Heather McGahey of Galesburg; two sons, Steve (Fiance, Amber) McGahey of Gilson and Joe McGahey of Galesburg; one brother, Bradley (Brenda) McGahey of Alexis; and one sister, Janet (Dana) Costin of Galesburg. He is also survived by his seven grandchildren, Brooklynn, Sydney, Phoenix, Carson, and Braxton McGahey, and Malika nd Maliyah Wilder. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Richard served in the US Army as an infantryman sniper, serving two tours in Vietnam, and earning a purple heart, bronze star, National Defense Service Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. He worked for many years for ACBL Barge Lines, working on the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. He loved to be on the river and always felt at home there. Richard enjoyed listening to music and cooking out. But most of all, he loved being surrounded by his family.

Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, May 25, 2017 at Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Graveside services will be 11 a.m. Friday in the veteran’s section at East Linwood Cemetery, Galesburg with military rites by Galesburg 2257/285 Honor Guard. Memorials may be made to the Heather McGahey in c/o Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.