Richard Nelson Luft

Richard was born March 14, 1938, to Willis Richard and Beulah Frances (Jolly) Luft. He married Janice Thornton in 1963, and they had four children, Scott, Mark, Julie and Darcy. On April 1, 1991, he married Jill Massey of Alton. Richard and Jill shared a beach wedding in Key West, Florida; a tradition that was repeated by their granddaughter, Morgan, thirty years later. Richard and Jill cherished their thirty-two years of marriage and just wished for thirty-two more.

His early life was spent in South Pekin, where his father worked as an engineer on the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad. His mother was a teacher in the Pekin School System. Richard was thought to be the youngest survivor of the 1938 South Pekin tornado. He attended Pekin Community High School (PCHS), where he played football and enjoyed acting in school plays. His high school buddies remained with him for life. He was introduced to the world of music by Harry Langley, director of music at PCHS. Richard loved writing songs. With the help of Harold Kuhfuss and Dean McNaughton, both of Pekin, he tried to build a recording career. It was a fun but unsuccessful journey. Until the end, he enjoyed playing his guitar and singing late into the night. Richard attended the University of Illinois in Springfield and held a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Studies and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration. Upon graduation, he pursued teaching and taught a memorable 6th grade in Creve Coeur and Morton. He enjoyed teaching but his passion was politics. He left teaching to try his hand in local politics.

In 1964, he was elected Tazewell County Auditor. He served two terms. From 1975 to 1979, he served in the Illinois House of Representatives. From 1983 to 1993, he served in the Illinois State Senate. His legislative assignments were the Committees on Commerce and Economic Development, Executive Appointments-Veterans Affairs and Administration, Finance and Credit Regulations, Insurance Pensions and Licensed Activities, Local Government (vice-chair), Revenue (chairman), and Economic and Fiscal Commission (co-chair). He was a Democratic State Central Committeeman for the 18th District. In 1993, he was appointed by then Governor Jim Edgar as Commissioner of Banks and Trust Companies for the State. He oversaw 662 state-chartered banks and 46 foreign banking offices. He was fortunate to have two careers; he was an Illinois Politician, and in the “real world” he was a Commercial and Investment Banker. He left politics for a consulting position with LaSalle Bank ABN AMRO in Chicago.

Richard and Jill traveled the world together, finally settling in Palm Desert, California, for the winters. Richard was a member of Ironwood Country Club for 25 years. His Ironwood “family” was so very dear to him.

Richard’s love was his family. He was the proud father of Scott (Carmen) Luft, Mark (Lelonie) Luft, Julie (Derek) Guidotti and Darcy (Chris) Lawson. He was a grandfather to Matthew Luft, Andrew (Krista) Luft, Morgan (Zachary) Murtha, Elizabeth (Jeff) Kaeb, Michael (Sarah) Luft, Abby Dobrei, Gaby Peyton, and Garrett Lawson and a great-grandfather to nine beautiful children. He adored his grandchildren and found great love and joy in each of their babies. He also leaves behind his favorite cousin, Joanne (Luft) Miller and his friend and brother in his heart, Denny Sullivan.

He was preceded in death by his beloved grandson, Marshall Lawson; his parents and his only brother, Thomas Lee Luft.

His enjoyment was golfing with his buddies at Pekin Country Club and Ironwood Country Club and his annual political golfing excursion in Palm Springs, California, with friends old and new. He had a love of swimming and took pleasure in his morning swims at Pekin Country Club with his buddy, Bill.

Cremation rites will be accorded in a private ceremony. Arrangements have been entrusted to Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Illinois CancerCare Foundation, 8940 West Wood Sage Road, Peoria, IL 61615 or to Pekin Salvation Army, 243 Derby Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com