Richard Lee Sutherland

Richard Lee “Rick” Sutherland, a.k.a. Dirtball, 71 of Chillicothe formerly Sparland died on March 5, 2023 at his home. Born in Peoria on October 28, 1951, to the late Richard Gerald and Fern (Head) Sutherland, He served four years in the Army.

Rick is survived by his life partner, Barb Gama of Chillicothe; son Richard Scott “Scotty (Laura) Sutherland of Chillicothe; daughters Stacy (Dawn) Sutherland of Henry, Katey (Andy) Eberle of Chillicothe, Shelby (Sam) Puent of Chillicothe; Sister Sherri (Richard Kimball) of Sparland; 8 grandchildren; 1 great grandchildtwo nieces and three nephews.

He was also preceded in death by Sister Mary Ann Sutherland and nephew Richard “Richie” Sutherland

Rick spent 30 years at Caterpillar and as a UAW 974 member. He was a member of the Peoria Casting Club and the Chillicothe Christian Church. Rick loved the outdoors: fishing, hunting, horseshoes, shuffleboard and especially Mushroom Hunting. He loved playing softball where he obtained the name Dirtball while playing in leagues and on the Schooner’s travel team. He was also on several pool leagues. To this day Rick still holds the Sparland High School Pole Vault record. Ricks favorite lines to say was: “the hell you say” and “what do you not understand.”

Cremation rights have been accorded and a graveside service will be held at Lacon cemetery on March 17 at 3pm with a celebration of life at a later date. Memorials can be made to St. Jude or the Wounded Warrior Project and online condolences can be left at lenzmemorialhome.com