Richard Alvin Eberly, "Hippie", 79, of Genoa, died Sunday, December 10, 2023 at Lincolnshire Place in Sycamore, Illinois.

He was born on October 10, 1944 in Evanston Illinois to Robert and Virginia (Niemet) Eberly. He married Sharon Lee on July 8, 1964, in Malta, Illinois

Dick worked for Cassen's Transport until his retirement in 2000. Before becoming a Teamster, he worked for Tallitsch Ford and Genoa Auto Body. After retirement, he worked/played with his buddies at Pierce Harley Davidson. Dick was a jack of all trades and a master of all. If he could dream it, he could build it. With the help of many Genoa Locals, he built his family's dream home equipped with an in-ground pool.

He had many interests. Most notably, his love of trains. He spent 40 years building an impressive model train set that spans 500 sq ft of his basement. The model features a scenic village with exquisite detail. His other interests and hobbies included stock car racing, motorcycles, target shooting and magazine reading.

Dick built a home away from home cabin on his 40 acres in Wisconsin. He enjoyed the outdoors and having family and friends visit.

He was a great Dad and Papa. He loved BMX racing with his son and grandson, trips to Nashville with his daughters, sleepovers and campfires with all the grandchildren and pretend play and dress up. His white beard made him the perfect Santa Papa.

The Hippie was loved by all and will be greatly missed.
Survivors include his children Jamie (Ed) Frye, Dana (Corey) Purifoy, Kurt (Amber) Eberly.
Grandchildren: Daniel (Melyssa) Gustafson, Taylor (Paul) Maciaszek, Tony (Karen) Saucedo, Nico (Heather) Saucedo, Caden Frye, Savanna (Tyler) Hughes, Brody Eberly, Halle Eberly.
Great-Grandchildren: Alex, Ryder, Rayce, Roczyn, Hendrix, Nolan, Marlee, Leila, Cesar, Nylieen, Heilo, Zamiya, Aiden.
He also leaves behind his brother, Robert (Donna) Eberly, sister-in-laws, Jody Mattison, Terry Ann (Mike) Gillis, brother-in-laws, Gary (Julie) Lee, Kurt (Dawn) Lee, and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Richard was preceded in death by his wife, Sharon, his parents, sister Diane Ackman, brother-in-law William (Butch) Lee, father-in-law William Lee, mother-in-law Mildred Lee and brother-in-law Gerald Mattison.

Visitation will be on Monday, December 18, 2023 from 3:00-7:00 PM at Slater- Butala Funeral Home, 132 W. Main St., Genoa, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the family. The donations will be given to the wonderful staff at Lincolnshire Place in Sycamore, where Hippie received exceptional care.

To sign the online guest book, go to www.butalafuneralhomes.com