Richard H. "Dick" Mcnitt

Richard H. "Dick" McNitt, age 66, of Oquawka, Illinois, passed away at 1:37 a.m. on Monday, March 31, 2008, at the Methodist Medical Center in Peoria, Illinois. Dick was born on March 16, 1942, in St. Joseph, Michigan, the son of Warren and Eileen Nelson McNitt. He was reared by his Aunt Dorothy and Uncle Harold Nelson, and was educated in rural schools in Little York, and graduated from Little York High School in 1960. He married Carol Jones on November 10, 1961, in Rozetta, Illinois. He attended and graduated PTI (Police Training Institute) in Champaign, Illinois. In the 1970's, Dick served as a police officer for the Monmouth Police Department. He was also a journeyman diesel mechanic at Munson Transportation for many years. In 1986, they moved to West Palm Beach, Florida, where he served as a service manager for Palm Beach International. In 1997, they returned to Oquawka, Illinois. Dick enjoyed fishing, hot rods, classic cars, and anything with four wheels. He also did auto body work at his home for pleasure. Dick is survived by his wife, Carol McNitt of Oquawka, Illinois, one daughter, Sandra K. Besse of Wellington, Florida, one son, Michael L. McNitt and Peggy of Kirkwood, Illinois. Also surviving are two grandchildren; Shanell Lynn Smith of Boca Raton, Florida, Luke Richard McNitt of West Palm Beach, Florida, one brother, Lane McNitt and Peg of Mercer Island, Washington, and Aunt Dorothy Nelson of Monmouth. Dick is preceded in death by his Mother, and a brother Lee. Services:A memorial service will be at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, April 4, 2008, at Turnbull Funeral Home in Monmouth, Illinois followed by the family receiving friends following the service. As Per Dick's request, please omit flowers, and make memorial contributions to either the Melanoma or Breast Cancer Research Funds, or to the Rozetta Baptist Church.