(Rock Island Argus  January 4, 2008)

Richard Smithson

Richard A. Smithson, 59, of Eldridge, died Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2008, at Trinity Medical Center at Terrace Park, Bettendorf.

Services for Mr. Smithson will be 11 a.m. Monday at the Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home, 3030 7th Ave., Rock Island.  Visitation will be from 2-5 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.  Burial will be in the National Cemetery, Arsenal Island, where military rites will be conducted by the Moline American Legion Post No. 246.  A memorial fund will be established at a later date.

Richard was born on Oct. 3, 1948, in Moline, the son of Luther and Theresa Scherger-Smithson.  He married Sue Boomershine on June 8, 1968, in Moline.

Rick worked as a press operator at R.R. Donnelley Co., Eldridge, formerly known as Von Hoffmann Graphics.

He was a past president of the Teamster Union, Local No. 93-C, member of the Handyman's Club, and was a former president of the Milan Little League.  Rick was also a U.S. Army veteran.

Survivors include his children, Theresa Woeber and her husband, Darren, Andalusia, Troy Smithson, Parkview; his companion, Brenda Lange, Eldridge; grandchildren, Mitchell, Maddie, Allyson and Ethan; brothers, Tom Smithson and his wife, Pam, Rock Island, and Ron Smithson, Davenport; a special niece and nephew, Sara Lucas and Robert Lucas.  Rick was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Judy Lucas; and an infant son, Shannon Smithson.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.wheelanpressly.com.

(© 2008 R I Argus)