Richard W. Will

IN MEMORY OF: Richard W. Will Serving Location: CRAIN PLEASANT GROVE-MURDALE FUNERAL HOME 31 Memorial Drive, Murphysboro, Illinois Richard W. Will, age 101, of Murphysboro, passed away on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at the Illinois Veterans Home in Anna, Illinois. He was born on December 8, 1924 to Roy B. and Nelle (Breeden) Will in Murphysboro, Illinois. On April 12, 1946, he married Rosemary Golliher and spent over 71 years together until her passing in 2017. Richard Graduated from Murphysboro Township High School. When he was 20 years old, he spent Christmas of 1944 in the Ardennes Forest in sub-zero blizzard conditions, fighting as part of Patton's Second Armored Division at the Battle of the Bulge. His Unit went on through Europe to rescue and free over 22,000 Prisoners of War and liberate Concentration Camp survivors. Among other Military citations and decorations, He was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for extraordinary heroism in action. After the war, he went on to be a successful businessman, City Councilman, community leader, Scout Master, mentor, faithful husband of 74 years a loving father, grandpa, and great-grandpa. He owned and ran two grocery stores in Chester, Illinois from 1968 until 1975. Richard went on to work in Sales for the Midwest Territory of General Food’s. He loved boats and was an avid fisherman, and loved to go camping, travel, play golf, and cook. Richard was a member of St. Andrew Catholic Church for over 80 years and was a member of the Murphysboro Knights of Columbus, VFW Post #7190, and the Paul Stout American Legion Post #127. Survivors include his sons, Richard L. (Connie) Will and Marty (Pam) Will; daughter, Rita (Byron) Kinniburgh; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Cindy Will; along with nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Along with his parents and his wife, he is preceded in death by two sons, Steve Will and Shawn Will; two grandsons, Aaron Lynn Will and George Patrick Will; two brothers, Roy Will and Pete Will; and one sister, Betty Richards. Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at 11:00 AM with Celebrant Father Joel Seipp at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Murphysboro. Visitation will be held prior to the mass from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM at the church. Interment will follow the mass at St. Andrew Catholic Cemetery. Military rites will be provided by the Army and American Legion Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, the family requests with gratitude that memorial may be made to St. Andrew Church and/or the Illinois Veterans Home Activity Fund. Crain Pleasant Grove-Murdale Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Richard W. Will

December 8, 1924 - April 9, 2026