C. Richard "Dick" Propes

C. Richard (Dick) Propes, 94 of Godfrey, passed peacefully into the arms of his Lord and Savior on Monday, February 12, 2024 at Alton Memorial Hospital. He was born in Granite City, Illinois on September 29, 1929 to the late Clarence H. and Luella (Randall) Propes. Dick married Margery Parker in 1956 in Johnston City, Illinois and they were blessed with one daughter, Karen. Propes graduated from Granite City High School and earned an associates degree at Southwest Baptist College in Bolivar, Missouri. He received his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois. He was a lifelong educator starting his career teaching in the Roxana School District and then the Alton Community School District as Principal in several elementary buildings. Dick served our country in the Korean Conflict and was later privileged to take the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight with his daughter to Washington, D.C. in 2011. He was the ultimate volunteer and contributed to many community organizations: Boy Scouts, Rosewood Heights Improvement Association, Alton Head Start Program, Madison County Arts Council, Alton Area Education Credit Union, Lewis & Clark Community College Foundation Board and Scholarship Committee, Greater Alton Concert Association, Phi Beta Kappa, Life member of National Education Association, Illinois Principals Association, Illinois Retired Teachers, Alton Retired Teachers, Alton Museum of History and Arts, Godfrey Lions Club, Alton Youth Symphony Board, Wreaths Across America, White Cross Auxiliary, Volunteer at Alton Memorial Hospital, Riverbend Growth Association, Alton History Tour Guide, elementary school tutoring program. He was also an active member of the former Alton First Baptist Church and presently Main Street United Methodist Church. He also enjoyed many fun activities like playing Santa Claus, ushering at the Fox Theater, traveling and spending quality time with family and friends. Propes was proud to receive many honors/awards for his service: Hometown Hero, Star Volunteer at Alton Memorial Hospital, Illinois Retired Teacher of the Year, Legacy Award from the Riverbend Growth Association and Life Service Award at Southwest Baptisit University. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Edward Propes and sisters-in-law Bess Propes and Arnita Parker. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Marge; daughter Karen (Bob) Shaw of Normal, IL, Granddaughter Sarah, of Chicago, IL; brother Gene Propes of Granbury, Texas; sister-in-law Judy Propes of Granite City, IL and many nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind hundreds of students who he impacted through his years of teaching and being a principal. He was happiest when he was doing things for others. If he could have, he would have said "goodbye" and "thanks" to each person who touched his life. In his honor, everyone should do an act of kindness to someone to make this world a better place. Visitation will be held at Main Street United Methodist Church on Friday, February 23, 2024 from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. and again on Saturday, February 24, 2024 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life will begin at 1:00 p.m. with a Social Gathering to follow. Cremation rites have been accorded and a private family burial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation in Dick’s memory to one of the following organizations: White Cross Auxilary at Alton Memorial Hospital, Dick Propes Education Scholarship at Lewis & Clark Community College or Main Street United Methodist Church in Alton. Gent Funeral Home in Alton is in charge of arrangements. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com

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C. Richard "Dick" Propes

September 29, 1929 - February 12, 2024