Richard A.  Smith, 89, of LaHarpe, Illinois, passed away at 6:26 p.m. Friday, December 6, 2024 at The Elms in Macomb, Illinois.

Richard was born July 30, 1935 in LaHarpe the son of Gail and Geneva (Thurman) Smith.

He graduated from LaHarpe High School in the class of 1955. He was a 60 year member of the LaHarpe Union Church and a 50 year member of the LaHarpe Fire Department.

Richard joined the U.S. Army following high school, where he was in communications. Previous to that he worked with his father in the plumbing, heating and electrical business. He was proud of the fact that he wired his first house at age 13. Upon his return from the Army, he started his own business, R.A. Smith Plumbing & Heating, which he ran for over 55 years in LaHarpe.

Richard was united in marriage to Thelma Rosenberg on July 12, 1964 at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Burlington, Iowa. They shared 60 years of marriage.

Richard was a gentle man with a caring nature and a wonderful smile. He was known to fix anything and helped many people. He enjoyed going to flea markets, yard sales, hunting, mushrooming and spending time with his family.

Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Thelma; two children: Greg Smith of Burlington, Iowa and Debbie Higgins of LaHarpe; four grandchildren: Kara Wright, Kortney Higgins, Kristen Higgins and Cole Smith; two great-grandchildren: Eleanor and Harrison and one sister: Judy (Bill) Burt of LaHarpe.

He was preceded in death by his parents: one sister: Marilyn Jackson and two brothers: Eldon and Marion Smith.

Cremation has been entrusted to Bank & Beals Funeral Home.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. Thursday, December 12, 2024 at the Union Church in LaHarpe. The memorial service will follow at 11:30 a.m. at the church with Rev. Bruce Goettsche officiating. A luncheon will be held after the service.

A private family burial, with Military Rites, will be held at LaHarpe Cemetery.

A memorial fund has been established for the Union Church or the LaHarpe Fire Department. To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit Richard's obituary at banksandbeals.com.