Richard Franklin Short

Richard Franklin Short, 85, of Morton, died at 2 a.m. Sunday, November 19, 2017 at Aperion Care, Galesburg. Richard was born July 19, 1932 in Minier, the son of Marion and Emma (Bohm) Short.  He married Zelma Morrison on July 31, 1968 in Tremont.  He preceded her in death on November 10, 2008.  Richard is survived by two sons, Rick (Patti) Short and Jerry (Stephanie) Short both of Pekin; and one daughter, Stacy (Terry) VanDyke of Hopedale.  He is also survived by six grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.  Along with his parents and his wife, Richard was preceded in death by a grandson, Zachary Short. Richard served in the US Army from January 1951 to December 1953, attaining the rank of Corporal.  He worked for Caterpillar as a manager for 32 years, retiring in 1984.  He was a member of Morton Masonic Lodge 352, A.F.&A.M., as well as a member and past commander of Morton American Legion Post #318. Cremation rites will be accorded and no services are planned.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg.  Memorials may be directed in Richard’s memory to the American Cancer Society or to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.