Richard E. (Gene) Kehder, 88, died Friday, May 13, 2016 at Herrin Hospital, surrounded by his family. Gene was born October 6, 1927, to Belle and Joseph Kehder of Thompsonville. He married Kathryn on May 28, 1948.
Survivors include his daughter, Barbara (Dave) Davenport of West Frankfort; his granddaughter, Meagan Carnine and great grandchildren, Jack and Kate of West Frankfort.
He was preceded in death by his wife Kathryn.
His family will remember him lovingly as a man of ethics and strong moral character.
Gene graduated from Thompsonville High School and received a bachelor’s degree from Bradley University in Peoria, IL. He worked 35 years for Caterpillar Incorporated and was instrumental in establishing a major manufacturing plant in Grenoble France where he and his family resided for five years, A life-long learner, he studied and spoke French fluently. During this time he was a member of the Caterpillar France Ski Club and made many fond memories of traveling throughout Europe with his family. He returned to the Caterpillar corporate offices in 1968 in Peoria where he directed employee development programs until his retirement.
He also served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, aboard the U.S.S. Eversole and in the Korean War. He was also a member of the U.S. Naval Reserve.
Gene was a long time member of the S.I.U. Vocational Advisory Board on which he served as Chair, as well as a member of the West Frankfort Lions Club and the VFW.
After his retirement from Caterpillar, Gene returned to Southern Illinois and enjoyed traveling with his wife Kathryn. Additional hobbies included collecting arrowheads and metal detecting.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at the Parker-Reedy Funeral Home in West Frankfort. Burial will be in the Tower Heights Cemetery in West Frankfort with military graveside rites by the Orient and Zeigler American Legions, West Frankfort VFW and by the Illinois National Guard Honors Detail. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. To sign the guest register visit www.parkerreedyfuneralhome.com.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Jeffrey Parks, the staff at River to River Communities of Marion, the staff at Herrin Hospital and Hospice of Southern Illinois.
