Richard "Dick" Maurice Pyatt's Obituary
Richard Maurice ("Dick") Pyatt, age 85, passed away on Monday, September 11, 2017, at his home south of Pinckneyville. He was born in DuQuoin, Illinois on October 18, 1931, a son to Maurice J. and Vey (Griffith) Pyatt. A community leader and proud veteran, Dick was a devoted family man and a respected professional who filled a wonderful life with many interests and adventures. Dick grew up in Pinckneyville, Illinois and graduated from Pinckneyville Community High School and St. Louis Mortuary School. In 1951, Dick married Ramona Logan. They had two children, Cynthia Denise (Larry) Coleman and Kevin Richard (Beth) Pyatt. In 1976, Dick married Gayl Simonds Alexander, and he adopted and raised Gayl's two young sons, William Eugene Pyatt and Jonathan Simonds (Ron Mennow) Pyatt. A recipient of the first Eagle Scout badge in Perry County, Dick served in the Army during the Korean War, where he obtained the rank of corporal and served in the graves registration service. Like his father before him-and his oldest son after him-Dick was a funeral director and had owned and operated Pyatt Funeral Homes in Pinckneyville, Coulterville, Centralia, Nashville, Ashley, Oakdale and DuQuoin. He was highly regarded both by the community he served and the professionals with whom he worked for more than 65 years. He was active in the Illinois Funeral Directors Association, the Pinckneyville Chamber of Commerce, and the local chapter of the American Legion. With a firm hand and a big heart, Dick loved his children, who both knew and endeavored to meet his expectations. He was very proud of his family. Dick was predeceased by his parents, Maurice J. and Vey Pyatt. Surviving him are his wife and four children; his grandchildren Amy (Derek) Cleland, Jenny (Frank) Grasso, Dylan Shook, Bailey Shook, Julie (Thomas) Crockett, Todd (Chelsea) Coleman, James Pyatt, and Emma Pyatt; and great grandchildren Chloe Yates, Logan Cleland, Brayden Cleland, Kendall Cleland, Henry Grasso, Harper Grasso, and Axel Coleman. Dick loved working with horses, singing and dancing to big band music, piloting boats and airplanes, and taking trips with his family. In his own words, Dick lived a "wonderful life." Funeral Services will be held at the First United Presbyterian Church in Pinckneyville on Friday, September 15, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. with Sam Foskey officiating. Interment will be in Galum Presbyterian Cemetery in Pinckneyville. Military graveside rites by Presswood-Daffron American Legion Post #2504, Pinckneyville, IL. Friends may call at Pyatt Funeral Home, Pinckneyville IL on Thursday, September 14 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Friday morning at the First United Presbyterian Church in Pinckneyville from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family would suggest memorials be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Pinckneyville or the Pinckneyville Community High School Education Foundation.
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