Richard Beaver

ANNA, Ill. -- Richard D. Beaver, 86, of Anna died Wednesday, March 1, 2006, at Union County Hospital.

He was born May 24, 1919, in Fancy Creek Township, Ill., son of Otto and Louise Ritterbush Beaver.

Beaver served 20 years in the U.S. Navy. He then worked as an air traffic controller 10 years.

He was a member of First United Methodist Church, Retired Officers Association, Loyal Order of the Moose, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Silver Eagles Association, American Legion, life member of VFW, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Illinois, 32nd Degree member of Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Ansar Temple of the Shrine, Capital City Shrine Club, Legion of Honor Unit and Hillbilly Unit.

Beaver was formerly of Gulfport, Miss., and Springfield, Ill.

Survivors include four daughters, Dana Griffith of Anna, Arlene Baggett of Cumming, Ga., Diana Dedrick of Springfield, Teresa Deem of Rochester; a son, Donald Beaver of Greenville, Ill.; a brother, Bob Beaver of Ohio; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a daughter and a brother.

Friends may call at Staab Funeral Home in Springfield from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday. Masonic rites will be at 6.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Monday at the funeral home, with Dr. Roger Rominger and Dr. Joseph Eldridge officiating. Burial will be in Camp Butler National Cemetery with full military honors.

Local arrangements handled by Crain Funeral Home in Anna.