Richard A. Hollis 1932-2021
Richard A. Hollis, 88, of Sherman, Il passed away peacefully at home on November 29, 2021.
Richard was born (December 29, 1932) and raised on the North End of Springfield where he attended McClernand Grade School, Lanphier High School and Springfield Jr. College. He completed his formal education, including his Law Degree, at the University of Illinois. After two years of service as an infantryman in the US Army, Richard began his career as an attorney. He worked in the Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s office, including one term as the elected official. He then practiced privately in Springfield until his retirement in 2017.
On October 23, 1960, Richard married Marilyn J. Matern. Their 49 year marriage was devoted to church and family. Together they raised 3 children: David (Dawn) Hollis, Lisa (David) Dunlap, and Kendall (Kristen) Hollis, and were blessed with eight grandchildren: Kelsey (Evan) Dannenberger, Marissa (Drew) Mahan, Colleen Hollis, Emma (Benjamin) Bubenik, Cooper (Emily) Dunlap, Sophie (Austin) England, Andrew Hollis, and Jacob (Anna Katherine) Hollis. Currently the family also includes 5 precious great grandchildren.
Richard was a life-long learner who enjoyed reading, researching, and the exchange of ideas. He particularly studied genealogy and was relentless in the pursuit of family trees. Most people who knew Richard recall his fondness for engaging in debate. Richard trusted in Jesus as his Lord and Savior and spent many hours studying Scripture, especially from the perspective of Reformed Theology. He loved his family, showing it through his provision, gifts of service, and lots of home baked cookies.
Richard was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn, his parents, Romeo (Pete) Hollis and Pearl Syes Hollis Bass, and siblings James R. Hollis and Barbara L. Bayer. Included in his survivors are siblings Betty L. Evans, John W. (Kay) Hollis, Patricia J. Garner, and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his two happy marriages, the following brought him joy: the many opportunities to attend Daily Mass; Music, especially the standards of the 30s and 40s in the Great American Songbook, along with classic country music; learning to fly a single engine airplane; his part time law practice of 45 years in Byron as a one-lawyer, no secretary, no computer office; watching old movies; the solitude and silence of the wilderness around Ely, MN; traveling around the world; planes, trains and automobiles.
Survived by his wife Bonnie, his daughters Therese, and Susan (John) McFarland, Brookfield, IL. Step-daughters Caryn (Jay) Bruscato Naples, Fl., Jill (Phil) Holsinger, Duluth, MN, and Kimberly Pierce, Redmond, WA. Also, step-grandchildren, Lena Bruscato, Olivia Holsinger, Owen Holsinger and Ella Holsinger. Predeceased by wife Mary Ann, and his parents.