Richard Elmo Hymes, 80, of Jacksonville, Illinois, died Thursday, November 5, 2026, at his home.

He was born March 8, 1946, in Beardstown, the son of George and Vivian (French) Hymes. Richard married Minnie Schwartz on December 2, 1974, and she survives. They would have celebrated fifty-two years married this year.

He is also survived by his children, Angie Allen (husband Chris) of Jacksonville, Richie Eric Hymes of Jacksonville, Richard Elmo Hymes II (wife Maranda) of Springfield, George Aaron Hymes of Michigan, and Amanda King of Jacksonville; his grandchildren, Jacob Neff, Logan Busch, Ephraim Busch, Emma Busch, Joshua Hymes, Kennedy Hymes, Marissa Lacy, and Braiden Brundage; and six great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, George Hymes and Vivian Mitchell.

Richard enlisted in the Army at the age of 17 after attending Meredosia High School. He first served in Korea from 1963 – 1964 and then in Vietnam in 1966, serving in an infantry division. During one battle in the jungles of Vietnam, he was able to find and carry some of his wounded friends from the darkness to safety. He showed tremendous bravery in Vietnam on more than one occasion, and was awarded the Bronze Star on Dec. 5, 1965., when his unit was attacked. While under heavy fire from the enemy, Mr. Hymes moved to an abandoned and jammed machine gun and successfully cleared the gun to fight off the approaching enemy. Because of his actions, him and the rest of his squad were able to move to a safer area. Mr. Hymes then took over another abandoned machine gun and single-handedly held off the advancing enemy so the wounded could be evacuated. In the battle, he suffered wounds to his chest, arms, and legs, but then recovered and returned to active duty. After being shot in both legs on January 25, 1966, he needed emergency surgery, where they had to remove his left foot. After he was transferred to the Philippines, he was transferred to a hospital in Washington, DC, where he recovered.

In 1969, he retired from the service with a Bronze Star, three Purple Hearts, a Sharpshooter (Rifle M-14) Badge, Combat Infantryman Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. He was a member of Jacksonville’s VFW, Post 1379.

Richard got his ASE Certification in Quincy and briefly worked as a mechanic. He also worked as manager for Barry Datsun Motors in Springfield. Mr. Hymes then owned a bookstore, Book-O-Rama, before he became a supervisor at Hertzberg-New Method Bookbindery, both located in Jacksonville. After his retirement, he enjoyed running a booth at the South Jacksonville Antique Mall, where he sold coins and fenton glass he collected.

Richard loved to fish and watch football games with his son, Richie. He also liked reading and watching Doctor Who.

Mr. Hymes’ wishes were to be cremated. There will be a memorial service with military honors at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at 12 PM Noon. The Buchanan and Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left online at buchanancody.com.