By Mandi Sakadaris
Posted: Updated:
6 Comments
  • Visitation

    Memorial Visitation:

    Thursday, June 27, 2024

    5:00 to 8:00 pm

    Friday, June 28, 2024

    9:00 to 10:00 am

    St. Paul UCC, Lebanon, IL

  • Service

    Memorial Service:

    Friday, June 28, 2024

    10:00 am

    St. Paul UCC, Lebanon, IL

  • Full Obituary

    Richard Blythe, 64, peacefully passed away on June 22, 2024.

    Rick’s passing is mourned by his family, his loving wife, Sherry (Schaefer) Blythe, and their cherished daughter, Kyle (Chad) Boes, his two adored granddaughters Savannah and Sadie and his dogs, Carter and Rue. He is also survived by his brothers Terry Blythe (Kelly), Mark Blythe, and his sister Katherine Blythe. He was predeceased by his parents, John and Elsie Blythe and his father-in-law Robert Schaefer.

    Rick's life was marked by a deep commitment to his family. He met the love of his life, Sherry, with whom he was married for 37 years. Rick’s true joy lay in his role as a father to his favorite (and only daughter) Kyle. He took immense pride in both his wife and his daughter’s accomplishments. His family remembers him fondly for his sense of humor, storytelling, and pranks.

    Rick was a graduate from Lafayette High School in Wildwood, MO. He received his baccalaureate degree from the University of Missouri and was an avid Mizzou sports fan.

    Professionally, Rick excelled in sales where his personality afforded him a successful 35-year career. He was respected not only for his professional skills but also for his kindness towards colleagues and clients alike. In his leisure time, Rick was a successful golfer where his competitive spirit was “enjoyed” by the many with whom he golfed. He would share his golfing highlights with anyone who cared to listen.

    A celebration of Rick's life will be held at the St. Paul United Church of Christ in Lebanon, IL on Thursday, June 27 from 5-8 (viewing) and Friday, June 28 from 9-10 (viewing). The memorial service will be held on Friday, June 28 from 10-11 with a luncheon after the service.   The family kindly requests donations to either Siteman Cancer Research, First Tee of Greater St. Louis, or the UCC Church --causes that were close to Rick’s heart.

    His family holds dear the many memories they have of him. May he rest in peace, knowing that he was deeply loved.

    Memorial donations may be made to:

    Siteman Advancement Office - Give - Donate Now- Siteman Cancer Center (wustl.edu)

    Donate Now - First Tee - Greater St. Louis (firstteestlouis.org)

    Give | stpaulucc-lebanon

    Memorial Visitation: Thursday, June 27, 2024, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm, and Friday, June 28, 2024, from 9:00 to 10:00 am, at St. Paul UCC, Lebanon, IL

    Memorial Service: Friday, June 28, 2024, 10:00 am, at St. Paul UCC, Lebanon, IL

    Meridith Funeral Home, Lebanon, IL

Condolences are reviewed and published within 24 hours.

6 Condolences
 
  1. Lynn Cornell / June 25, 2024 at 12:40 pm

    I send my love and prayers to you Sherry, Kyle and family. I’m so sorry about your loss.
    Love
    Lynn Cornell

  2. Keeley Kelly / June 25, 2024 at 1:27 pm

    In times when there are no words, please know that the people you love are always by your side. My deepest condolences for the loss of your husband. May you find comfort in remembering the special moments that brightened your days over the years. Let all the memories you shared with Rick shine bright and bring you life in the years to come. Praying the Holy Spirit bring you strength today and peace in all the days ahead. Big Hugs & lots of love. ~Keeley Kelly

  3. Denise Gehm Rademacher / June 25, 2024 at 1:46 pm

    Sherry, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your husband! Please accept my prayers and sympathies during this time of grieving and loss!

  4. Eric Kirchner / June 25, 2024 at 1:53 pm

    I’m very sad for the Blythe family with Rick’s passing. He is home now and at peace, but for his surviving family I can only offer heartfelt condolences. To hear Sherry talk about his fight is to understand what courage means, and I can only marvel at their shared love and commitment to keep trying to overcome his cancer.

    Sherry, my dear friend, I admire you and send mine and my wife Kate’s love. If we could travel we’d come to his service. My only other thought is that knowing you and your commitment that your husband was someone very special in this world — I wish I had known him.

    Rick, rest in peace. Sherry, your journey with Rick makes me hug my wife and my only daughter that much more lovingly as you have helped me realize — by your words and the example of you and Rick — how to fully understand what it is to love your family.

  5. Norm Thompson / June 25, 2024 at 4:09 pm

    Sending you thoughts of comfort and strength during this time. All my love and support to you.

    Norm

  6. Katie Krus / June 25, 2024 at 8:18 pm

    I’m so sorry for your loss. Prayers for comfort and peace. May all your memories with Rick bring a smile to your face.

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