Richard D Bott

 Richard D. Bott, 96, of Danville, passed away peacefully at Accolade Healthcare in Danville, Illinois on July 22nd, 2025. He was just a few weeks shy of his 97th birthday.

   Richard was born August 3, 1928 in Danville to Victor and Arizona (Grayson) Bott. He attended Danville schools and graduated from Danville High School in 1946. Richard enlisted in the US Army, where he proudly served in Aberdeen, Germany, from 1952-1954. Upon returning home from his service, he worked alongside his dad at Bott’s Locksmith and Sporting Goods and would go on to operate the shop until 1995. His passion continued until his retirement in 2013.

   Richard was a longtime member of St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church until merging and becoming Holy Family Catholic Church in 1978. He enjoyed showing horses and trail riding as a member of the Western Riders Saddle Club, M&W Saddle Club and the I&I Round-Up where he served as president for many years. He took pride in being a trail boss of the 100-mile trail ride for the Illinois State Stock Horse Association, in which he met new lifelong friends. He also enjoyed many hunting and fishing trips to Canada, traveling, and skeet and trap shooting at Smalley’s. In his early years, Richard enjoyed the rodeo circuit, riding bulls and broncs, and calf roping. He was a member of the Danville Elks Club and a member of the American Legion Post 210, where he enjoyed reminiscing with other veterans about their service.

   Richard married Edwina Stuebe in 1952, and the two would go on to have two children together: Craig and Kirk. Richard later married Peggy Montgerard, and their daughter Vickie was born. After Peggy’s death in 1976, Richard married Shirley McCarty in 1978, and the two would spend the next thirty-seven years together until her passing in 2015.

   Richard leaves behind his children: Craig Bott (John McQueen), Kirk (Joy) Bott, and Vickie Nixon (Joe Cantrell);  grandchildren; Anthony (Lindsey) Nixon, Kayla Nixon, Laura (Tony) Eells, Amy (Jordan) Crabtree, Andy Bott, Stephanie (Jordan) Maman, Brittany (Jeppe) Johnansen, Corey Bott and Jamie (Katie) Cantrell; great-grandchildren, Liza, Aiden, Brayden, Easton, Carter, Myles, Vivian, Londyn, Nova, Aston, Kylee, Grayson, and Lainey. He was preceded in death by his parents, spouses, cousins, infant brother, and step-son Robby Bott.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, August 1, 2025 at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery, 818 Wendt Ave. Danville, Illinois 61832. Visitation will be held prior to services from 12-1 PM in the mausoleum.

      Messages and memories may be left on our website at www.KrugerCoanPape.com, or on the Kruger Funeral Home Facebook page. Memorials may be made in Richard’s name to Holy Family Catholic Church or Resurrection Cemetery.

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