Richard Allen Gleason

Dateline: Godfrey, IL Richard Allen Gleason, 89, died at 2:45 p.m. on Sunday, May 3, 2026 at Alton Memorial Rehab. He was born January 7, 1937 in Alton, the son of the late Basil and Fannie Mae (Garner) Gleason. He was raised by his grandmother, “Mom” Lucille. Richard graduated from Alton High School in 1955 where he participated in the State track championship. After high school he attended Shurtleff College for two years. Dick served as a First Sgt in the U.S. Army for six years and was a member of First Baptist Church in Brighton. He retired in 1990 after 40 years as a salesman for Sears, Roebuck and Co. in Alton. After retirement he worked for 30 years at local golf courses and always appreciated Ray holding his job at Rolling Hills in Godfrey. He was a member of Faith Baptist Church in Godfrey for many years, serving as Sunday School Superintendent, Children’s Church worker, greeter and usher. He was also very involved with Mississippi Valley Christian School. HE REALLY LOVED THE LORD. He married the former Wilma (Linton), and she preceded him in death. He later married Carolyn (Seiler) on February 25, 1990 in Godfrey and she survives. Carolyn was the love of his life, and they were grateful to have travelled to every state, including Hawaii and Puerto Rico as well as in Europe. Together they loved mowing, gardening, watching church athletics and had a special love of golf. He is survived by his wife, two sons, Stephan Gleason (Lesley) and Timothy Gleason (Kathy), five grandchildren, Megan, Danielle, Caleb, Katie and Tim, three great grandchildren, Ryan, Maverick and Cooper, one half brother, John Gleason and one half sister, Diane Bowman, a special cousin, Dennis Brown, the Hanlon family, very special friends who know who they are, another special group of friends from Florida and his golfing buddies. He was preceded in death by a half-brother, PFC Basil Haley Gleason Jr. and two half sisters, Margaret Alesandrini and Dorothy Smock. Visitation will be Sunday, May 10, 2026 from 2:00 p.m.- 5:00 p.m.at Gent Funeral Home in Alton. Visitation will continue from 9:00 a.m. until time of funeral at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, May 11, 2026 at First Baptist Church in Brighton. Pastor Don Letson will officiate. Burial will be at Bethany Cemetery in Godfrey with full military honors. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church in Brighton. Carolyn would like to give a special thank you to the nurses and staff at Alton Rehab for their loving care as well as his personal doctors and nurses. Additional information and online guestbook may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com

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Richard Allen Gleason

January 7, 1937 - May 3, 2026