Obituaries
Obituary for Richard L. "Dick" Leiby
Metamora- Richard L. “Dick” Leiby, age 93, of Metamora, formerly of Peoria, passed away on Thursday, November 29, 2018 at his home in Snyder Village in Metamora, IL.
Dick was born December 15, 1924 in Peoria, IL, a son of Albert L. and Eunice (Ayres) Leiby. Eunice passed when he was 3 years old, and Albert later married Iva Connor Stinnet, who raised him.
Dick married Virginia Mae Watrous on May 30, 1946, they divorced in 1973. He later married Faye I. Scott of Peoria, IL. She preceded him in death on November 22, 2001.
Surviving are his children; Sandra L. Leiby of Sedona, AZ, Karol J. Fletcher of Valley View, TX, Terri (Robert) Parsons of Congerville, IL, Kerry R. (Kathy) Leiby of Park Ridge, IL and Connie Probst Thompson of Ft. Myers, FL, daughter of Faye Scott, whom he adopted. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.
A stepson, Wayne A. Scott, preceded him in death. Also preceding him in death was a step-sister, Vivian Stinnet Wasley and three brothers; Albert, Walt and Jack Leiby.
Dick proudly served in WWII, serving with the 4th Infantry Division, M Company 3rd Battallian/22nd Infantry Regiment from 1943-1945 as a machine gunner. The 4th Division landed on Utah Beach on D-Day. He served in England, France and Germany and was wounded in the Huertgen Forest Battle. Dick received 2 Bronze Battle Stars, the Combat Infantry Badge, and the Purple Heart and his unit received 2 Presidential Citations. Dick recovered for 4 months from wounds received in the Huertgen Forest Battle at the 68th General Hospital in Coventry, England. He then returned to his unit in Karlsruhe, Germany to serve until the end of the war. He later became a member of the 22nd Infantry Regiment Society.
Dick graduated from Peoria Central High School in 1946 after returning from WWII. He also attended Bradley University, in Peoria, for a short time. He always regretted never taking advantage of the G.I. Bill to receive his college degree.
Dick was in the automotive supply business for over 40 years, working with Schotthofer Motor, Peoria Machine, and Automotive Spring. He later worked for and became part owner of Scott’s Super Service, with his wife, Faye, retiring in 1989. After retirement, Dick worked another 7 years at Scott’s Super Service with his business partner, Bernie Newingham. Dick also worked at the Peoria Civic Center as an usher, was a former IHSA basketball official and was a member of the Old Timers Baseball Association.
A lifelong Chicago Cubs fan, Dick was thrilled with their 2016 World Series Victory. He enjoyed receiving all the 2016 Cubs Championship memorabilia from his family and friends.
Dick was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2012 and bravely defeated the disease. He was very proud of his children and the support and love they showed him throughout his life, especially into his later years.
He was a member of the First Church of Nazarene of Peoria, IL since 1976.
A Celebration of Life will be at 4:00 PM, Monday, December 3, 2018 at Wright & Salmon Mortuary, with a two hour prior visitation from 2 – 4 PM, also at the Mortuary. Cremation Rites will be accorded, per Dick’s wishes, with a private inurnment at Swan Lake Memory Gardens, with full military honors at a later date.
Memorials may be made to Peoria Rescue Ministries, 601 SW Adams, Peoria, IL 61602 or Snyder Village, 1200 E Partridge St, Metamora, IL 61548.
Friends and family may sign the online guestbook or send private condolences to www.wrightandsalmon.com
Previous Events
Visitation
Monday
3
Dec
2:00 PM
- 4:00 PM
Wright & Salmon Mortuary
2416 N. North Street
Peoria, IL 61604
Celebration of Life
Monday
3
Dec
4:00 PM
Wright & Salmon Mortuary
2416 N. North Street
Peoria, IL 61604
Cemetery Details
Location
Swan Lake Memory Gardens
4601 Route 150
Peoria, IL 61615
Memorial Contribution
Snyder Village
Peoria Rescue Ministries
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