Richard "Rich" R. Dickson

Richard was born on May 30, 1951, in Peoria to Dorothy M. (Hartter) and Ronald O. Dickson. They preceded him in death. Surviving is one sister, Marilyn (Alan Dorsey). He married Beverly (Hill) on October 1, 1977. They have two children, Andrew Dickson (Andie) and Elisa (Chris Marchand). He has five grandchildren, Elliot, Micah, Sadie, Isaac and Shiloh; and was a fond uncle to 8 nieces and nephews.

Rich graduated from Richwoods High School in 1969. He graduated from Illinois Central College and also attended Bradley University. He was a repair tech at EDI, then was hired at Caterpillar as a lab tech. He worked at the Mossville Tech Center for 35 years, retiring in 2014 as an electrical engineer.

Rich loved music. He especially loved his Dahlquist speakers and vinyl record collection. He enjoyed live music and after retirement, attended many concerts of favorite musicians. He played bass guitar in various bands throughout the years.

His work at Caterpillar resulted in multiple patents. He was a member of Woodland Baptist Church in Peoria, where he participated in many mission trips. He was a man of few words who loved the outdoors, cycling, hiking, and taking care of his acreage in his later years. He loved trains and car racing– anything with an engine captured his attention. He would often show his softer side with his cats, granddogs and other animals.

Rich’s memorial visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, October 29, 2022, at the Davison-Fulton Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home in Peoria. A celebration of life service will follow at 11 a.m., also on Saturday at the funeral home. His son-in-law, Fr. Christopher E. Marchand, will officiate. His inurnment will follow the service at Springdale Cemetery in Peoria.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at or Transitions Hospice.

To leave an online condolence with Rich’s family, please visit www.woolsey-wilton.com.