J. Richard "Dick" Kuykendall

John Richard “Dick” Kuykendall, 92, of Browns, Illinois passed away at his home on Thursday, May 21, 2026.

Dick was born on March 11, 1934 in Crossville, Illinois, to Howard and Cecil (McKay) Kuykendall. The family moved to Edwards County where Richard spent most of his life. He graduated from Edwards Conty Senior High in 1952. He served on the Edwards County School Board from 1969-1973.

On August 1, 1954, he married Patsy Mason at West Salem Christian Church. They were the love of each other’s life for 72 years.

Dick worked at various jobs to support is family. In 1978, he purchased a backhoe and established Richard Kuykendall Backhoe Service. He retired from his successful business in 2002. Always a team, “Dick and Pat” loved to travel and upon retirement they wintered for 22 years in Florida. Through the years they enjoyed activities together with their family and friends including hunting, fishing, antiquing, boating, camping, horseback riding, dirt bikes and ATV riding. Dick was also an accomplished wood worker and often shared articles he made with others. Their home was always open to others for a visit.

It is the life in your years that count, not the years in your life and Dick was blessed with both.

Fill not your hearts with pain and sorrow but remember me in every tomorrow, the joy, the laughter, and smiles. My going has given me relief and as long as I have the love of each of you, I live in the hearts of all of you.

Richard is survived by his wife, Patsy; son Rick (Jan); grandson Nicholas (Abby); sister Muriel Perkins-Daniels; and numerous beloved nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Judith Kay “Judy” Kuykendall; a brother, Gene Kuykendall; a sister-in-law; and three brothers-in-law.

Visitation for John Richard “Dick” Kuykendall will be held on Friday, May 29, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Ingram Meridith Funeral Home in Albion, Illinois. Funeral services are at 12:00 p.m., also at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Graceland Cemetery, east of Albion, Illinois.

Ingram Meridith Funeral Home of Albion, IL is honored to assist the family of John Richard “Dick” Kuykendall with arrangements.