Richard Blaine Blough, 78, of Jacksonville, IL, died Monday, January 15, 2024, at his home.

He was born April 8, 1945, in Springfield, the son of Milton and Billie (Van Osdol) Blough. Richard married Marcella Twyford on July 11, 1964, at Church of Our Saviour in Jacksonville, and she survives.

He is also survived by his two children, Paul (Sally) Blough of Germantown Hills and Sarah (Chuck) Robinson of Franklin; six grandchildren, Matthew and Michael Blough, and Kaylee, Madison, Ellie, and Sadie Robinson; two sisters, Rebecca Peacock of Jacksonville and Kathleen Taylor of Canton. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Richard graduated from Routt Catholic High School in 1963. He later went on to work for 40 years for railroad companies, including G. M. & O. (Gulf, Mobile, & Ohio) Railroad. He retired from Union Pacific Railroad in 2012. He would listen to his radio scanner daily, going out several times a day to catch trains and meet up with friends from his railroad days.

Mr. Blough was a member of Church of Our Saviour. He was an Endowment Member of the NRA, a member of the Pasa Park Gun Club, Left Handers Gun Club, and the Chatham Railroad Museum. Richard was an amateur radio operator, retired railroader and photographer. He also enjoyed hunting and was a lifelong Cubs fan.

A funeral mass will be held at 10 am, Monday, January 22, 2024, at Church of Our Saviour in Jacksonville. The family will meet friends at the Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville on Sunday from 2-4 pm. Burial will take place at Jacksonville East Cemetery. Memorial donations are suggested to the Chatham Railroad Museum. The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be left online at buchanancody.com.