Richard Lee Harkness

Richard Lee Harkness, more commonly known as Dick or "Snuffy", age 85, of Canton, IL passed away peacefully on February 8th, 2022 at Graham Hospital in Canton, IL.

Richard was born on February 16, 1936 to Milo and Vera (Oldfield) Harkness in Elmwood, IL.
In 1963, Richard met Coralie Ellen Willson and they were married on November 15, 1964.
He is survived by his children, Lanny Williams of Des Moines, IA, Lori (Harry) Rumler of Canton, Terry Williams of Canton, and Shawn (Jen) Harkness of Huntington, IN.
He is also survived by 9 grandchildren: Joey (Sarah) Rumler, Jessica (Wesley) Kimbrough, Jake (Ashleigh) Williams, Charity (Tovi) Beoletto, Jared (Beth) Williams, Andy (Shelby) Harkness, Shelby (Jacob) Hansen, Brady Harkness, and Travis (Vivian) Williams and 8 great-grandchildren: Brooklyn & Bostyn Kimbrough, Bryson Rumler, Tinleigh Williams, Tovin and Trulee Beoletto, Trenton Williams, and Everleigh Harkness (and one great-grandson to be born later this year), and one brother Ronald (the late Cathy) Harkness, of London Mills and sister-in-law, Rosalee Doherty of CA.
Richard was preceded in death by his wife Coralie of 46 years, two sons, Danny Williams and infant son Joey Williams, his father and mother, Milo and Vera Harkness, two sisters Betty Wheeler and Kay Hogue and two infant great grandchildren. After Richard graduated from Elmwood High School in 1954 he entered the work force working as a truck driver for a short time and then spent most of his life working as a pressman at the Canton Daily Ledger and the Peoria Journal Star. He retired from the Peoria Journal Star after a long career there. Richard and Coralie spent their free time camping with family and friends. They loved to travel to the annual Old Threshers Reunion in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. They were also long-time members of the First Baptist Church in Canton where he enjoyed being a part of the choir for many years. Richard loved working at the Food Pantry in the Baptist Church and spent many hours there, when his health allowed, passing out food to the less fortunate of Canton and Fulton County. He loved music and enjoyed listening to live music at the Big Creek Park Community Center and the American Grill. Services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the First Baptist Church Food Pantry, an organization Richard felt strongly about.To leave online condolences please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com