Atlanta – Richard “Rick” L. McKown, 76, of Atlanta, passed away at his home on January 1, 2024.
Visitation for Rick will be on Friday, January 5, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the Atlanta Christian Church.
Funeral Services will be on Saturday, January 6, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at the Atlanta Christian Church with Mr. Larry Collins officiating. Burial will follow at the Atlanta Cemetery.
Richard L. McKown was born January 26, 1947, in Lincoln, the son of Jack and Julia Reinmiller McKown. He was united in marriage to Sharon D. Naffziger on September 26, 1963. She preceded Rick in death on July 7, 2022.
Rick is survived by their children: Dick (Denise) McKown, Matthew (Jennifer) McKown, and Michael (Darcy) McKown, eight grandchildren: Candice McKown, Sasha (Rollin) Head, Rickie (Sammi) McKown, Myles McKown, Olivia McKown, Sophie McKown, Avery McKown, and Kayla McKown; four great-grandchildren: Reagan, Maddox, Carter, and Macie; two sisters: Susan (Larry Collins) Hoblit and Linda Orrick; and two brothers: James (Jackie) McKown and Alex Hoblit.
He was preceded in death by his wife, one brother, Sam Hoblit; and two sisters: Diane Hoblit and Jackie Twyman.
Richard was a graduate of Atlanta High School and then attended Lincoln College. He was a member of the Atlanta Christian Church, where he had served as an Elder and Deacon. He served for many years on the Atlanta Fire Department as a trustee and volunteer fireman. He also served as Mayor of Atlanta from 1978-1981. Rick was a member of the Atlanta Masonic Lodge #165 A.F. & A. M. and the Order of the Eastern Star. Rick retired as Vice President of the family business, Hoblit Seed Company. He enjoyed breeding Polled Herefords and was a member of the Polled Hereford Association.
Memorials may be made to the Atlanta Christian Church or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Final arrangements are entrusted with Quiram-Peasley Funeral Home of Atlanta.
2 Responses
So sorry to hear about Richards passing. My you find peace knowing he has went home with the Lord. Are time in Atlanta was filled with great memories about the McKown family
On behalf of the directors, staff and members of the Illinois Crop Improvement and Illinois Seed Trade Associations, our deepest sympathies for Rick’s family and friends. He was a valued member and leader in the seed industry. May the Peace of Lord be with everyone in this time of sadness. -Doug Miller, Illinois Crop Improvement and Illinois Seed Trade Associations