Richard Dick Toal

Richard Carl “Dick” Toal, 11:56 a.m. Saturday, December 26, 2015 at Knox County Nursing Home, Knoxville. Dick was born March 25, 1927 in Monmouth one of eight children to Edward and Minnie Chapman Toal.  He married Colleen B. Ross on May 7, 1949 in Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Galesburg.  Colleen preceded him in death on February 20, 2010.  Dick is survived by four children, Tim (Debbie) Toal of Milan, Denise (Rick) Randolph of East Peoria, Becky (Jeff) Lundeen of Galesburg, and Bruce (Chris) Toal of Galesburg.  He is also survived by 9 grandchildren, Stacy (Steve) Squires, Nick (Cherish) Toal, Lindsay (Chad) Long, Tara Solano, Lora (Chuck) Newton, James (Claudia) Toal, Cody Toal and Ashley Hall, Cassi Lundeen and Calla Massman, and Jason Randolph; 12 great grandchildren; 3 sisters Jane, Doris, and Janis; 2 brothers, Bob and Jack; and a brother and sister-in-law, Lanny and Emily Ross whom he helped "match-up" in the late 50's and In-Laws Rachael Ross, Dennis (Marlene) Ross, and Renee Ross Mercer.  Along with his wife Colleen and his parents, Dick was preceded in death by one sister Phyllis and one brother Bill.  Dick served as an Army-trained Illinois National Guardsman, serving from 1948-51. He started work as a Butcher in a grocery store.  He then was a salesman and distributor for the Curtiss Candy Company. He then went on to be an Independent salesman and food distributor of popular regional brands to all the neighborhood, family-owned grocery stores throughout Galesburg and the surrounding towns before the development of the large grocery store chains. Dick also worked as a bus driver for Galesburg schools, driving the bus for the handicapped kids and the bus to sporting events and field trips.  He also worked as a salesman for Roger Brother’s institutional foods.  In semi-retirement he delivered medical supplies for Option Care.  He was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus 4th degree.  Dick also enjoyed playing billiards.  Tremendous family time was enjoyed on the Mississippi River at the cabin and on the sandbar when Dick and Colleen were raising their family. Cremation rites have been accorded.  A memorial mass will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, December 30, 2015 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Galesburg.  Fr. Deus-Dedit Byabato will officiate.  All are cordially invited to a luncheon and celebration of life in the parish hall following the mass at the church.  Private family burial of cremated remains will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Galesburg.  Memorials may be made to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 858 S. Academy St., Galesburg, IL 61401.    The family would like to thank the caring and supportive staff at Woodridge Supportive Living, Knox County Nursing Home, and Hospice Compassus for the care that Dick received during the last 16 months.