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Richard Anthony
<p>Richard E. Anthony ("Dick," "Coach," and "Papa") passed away Tuesday, July 7, 2026. He was born February 8, 1944, in White Hall, Illinois, to Earl and Wanda (Ash) Anthony.</p><p><br></p><p>Dick graduated from White Hall High School in 1962, where he was a standout athlete in basketball, football, baseball, and track. He graduated from Illinois College with a degree in mathematics in 1966. While there, he served as president of the Pi Pi Rho Literary Society. Upon completion of college, he was hired to teach in the mathematics department at Jacksonville High School. He completed his master's degree in mathematics at SIUE. He taught mathematics courses at all levels and spent his entire teaching career at Jacksonville High School.</p><p><br></p><p>In addition to teaching mathematics, Dick was also an assistant basketball coach at Jacksonville High School. He coached for more than 40 years, continuing in this position after his retirement from teaching. During his tenure, he worked with eight different head basketball coaches. He was inducted into the Illinois High School Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame in 2018.</p><p><br></p><p>Throughout the years, Dick would often be approached by former students who would tell him they hated math until they had him as a teacher. They would relate how easy he made mathematics for them to understand, and many would admit they actually ended up enjoying mathematics. He was also respected by the many basketball players he coached through the years. He continued to be referred to as "Coach" by many who knew him.</p><p><br></p><p>Dick was an avid fisherman. He made many fishing trips to Canada through the years and received recognition for catching the largest walleye in the area. He could often be found at local ponds around the area and rarely came home empty-handed.</p><p><br></p><p>Following retirement, Dick became interested in woodworking and spent many years designing and building pieces of furniture for his family and others. He was also an avid gardener and always looked forward to the spring seed catalogs arriving and to giving away what he grew. He loved reading cookbooks and cooking for his family.</p><p><br></p><p>Dick is survived by his wife, Mary; two daughters, Erin (Henry) Munez of Chicago and Aimee (Matt) Snelling of St. Louis; four grandchildren, Everett Anthony Munez, Henry Richard Munez, Katherine Erin Snelling, and Mary Grace Snelling; one brother, John (Debbie) Anthony of White Hall; one sister-in-law, Donna L. Phillips of North Carolina; and several nieces and nephews.</p><p><br></p><p>Dick was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Janice; two brothers, Fred and Donnie; and his mother-in-law, Bona Adkins.</p><p><br></p><p>Dick loved his family and was so proud of his daughters and grandchildren. He was a kind and gentle man and will be missed by all who knew him.</p><p><br></p><p>A Celebration of Life will be held from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Monday, July 13, 2026, at Twisted Tree Music & Event Hall in Jacksonville. A time of sharing will begin at 5:30 p.m. The family invites everyone to wear their Crimson red. Memorials are suggested to the Jacksonville Public Schools Foundation (to be used for JHS Boys Basketball/The Bowl Preservation Fund) or Jacksonville Area Community Food Center. The Williamson Funeral Home is assisting the family. Condolences may be left online at www.airsman-hires.com</p><p><br></p>February 8, 1944 - July 7, 202602/08/194407/07/2026
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Richard Anthony
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