Darrell Ray Bartz, 78, of Chatham, formerly of Pleasant Plains, passed away on Thursday June 21, 2018 at Memorial Medical Center. He was born on October 3, 1939 in Jacksonville, IL., to Charlie and Mary Patterson Bartz. Darrell married Mona Beam on May 10, 1986 in Springfield and she survives.
Mr. Bartz is also survived by his children: Mary Bartz of Greenview, Gregory (Brenda) Harris of Chatham, Jeffrey (Diane) Harris of Minooka, Douglas Harris of Joliet and Jennifer (Keith) Olsen of Elwood, fourteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son Tim Bartz.
Darrell was a Veteran of the United States Navy and he worked for the Illinois State Police initially as a Radio Technician and retired as the Director of Communications in 1992 after thirty years of service. He was a golf “Fanatic” and would hit golf balls everyday on his farm in Pleasant Plains. Darrell and his golf buddies would play several Central Illinois courses especially Edgewood in Auburn which was his favorite. Darrell and Mona would frequently vacation in Tampa, Florida.
A visitation will be held from 4:00pm-7:00pm on Tuesday June 26, 2018 at Bisch Funeral Home West, 2931 Koke Mill Road. Cremation rites will be accorded and an inurnment will take place at Richwoods West Cemetery near Carrollton, Illinois. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Chatham American Legion, 206 West Chestnut, Chatham, IL. 62629 to assist with their Annual Fall Golf Outing and please visit the online “Life Remembered Story” at www.bischfuneralhomewest.com.
