Obituary of Richard E. Reyes, Sr.

Richard E. Reyes, Sr., age 71, of Morris, IL passed away Sunday, October 28, 2018, at University of Chicago Medical Center.  He was born June 21, 1947, to the late Moises and Juanita (Ortiz) Reyes, in Joliet, IL, where he was raised and educated, and was a graduate from Joliet Central High School, Class of 1966.

Mr. Reyes is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Debra (Baker) Reyes; his children, Rochelle (Mike) Heavener, Richard (Erin) Reyes, Jr. and Jennifer Reyes; six grandchildren, Eva and Evan; Sydney and Ethan; Sophia and Camden; one great-granddaughter, Avery Ann; one sister, Diane Lewis; and one brother, Sal Reyes.  Numerous nieces and nephews also survive.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Robert Reyes and one sister, Dorothy Carlson.

Mr. Reyes retired from Caterpillar Inc. after 32 ½ years of dedicated service.  His hobbies included fishing, hunting, boating, cooking, playing cards and attending sporting events. He was a member of the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge #967, The Corvette Club and a bus driver, initially for the Morris Transit Service and later in Wilmington, enjoying transporting many passengers over the last 20 years.  However, his greatest moments were spent with his grandchildren and great-granddaughter.  Indeed the greatest, and most important, titles he ever held were that of “Dad”, “Grandpa”, and the forever favorite, “Big Rich”.

Visitation for Richard Reyes will be held Sunday, November 4, 2018, from 3:00 until 6:00 p.m., at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home 1201 W. Route 6 at Deerpath Drive in Morris.  Funeral services will be held Monday, at 11:00 a.m., at the funeral home.  As it was Richard’s request, cremation rites will be accorded following services.  For more information, please call (815) 942-5040 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com