Richard Steven Wake, 71 of Morrisonville, passed away on Tuesday, December 24, 2024, at Springfield Memorial Hospital.  He was born on August 7, 1953, the son of Wilburn Wake Sr. and Mary Elizabeth (Teer) Wake.  He married Valorie J. Durr on January 18, 1991, in Carlinville.  Richard graduated from South Fork High School in 1972 where he held the pole-vaulting record.  He worked at Peabody Mine #10 until it closed and continued working in Kentucky before retiring from Patriot Coal.  He was a member of UMWA, a fan of the Chicago Bears, and enjoyed NASCAR.  He could fix anything and enjoyed spending time outside spraying weeds and mowing the grass.  Fishing was another favorite pastime of his, especially the many trips he took with his brother Jerry and buddy Ray Lucas.  More than anything he loved his family and especially enjoyed attending his grandson’s sporting events. 

He is survived by his wife: Valorie Wake of Morrisonville; children: Joey Ballion of Taylorville, Katie Davis of Taylorville, Brandon Wake (Hannah Neisler) of Kincaid, and Dalton Wake of Williamsport, Pennsylvania; was Pappy to: Liam Davis, Elijah Davis, Emmett Wake, Erickson Wake, and Everett Wake; siblings: Wilburn Wake Jr. (Donna) of Rochester, Kay Hart (Gary) of Kincaid, and Jerry Wake (Mary) of Girard; several nieces, nephews, and cousins, and his faithful companion: Chummy.  He was preceded in death by his parents and brother: Ronnie Lee Wake.

Richard will be cremated, and his family will host a memorial service at 12:00 noon on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at the Stone Pillar Church, 108 E. Douglas in Edinburg with Josh Wertz officiating.  A visitation will be held from 10:00a.m. until noon on Saturday at the church.  Memorials may be made to the Wake family.  McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements.