Richard Root

Richard Clinton Root, 69, passed away at 12:05 a.m. On Tuesday, April 25, 2017 at his residence with his family by his side after a lengthy illness. He was born in Alton on June 14, 1947 the son of the late Clinton Root and Elma (Hendrickson) Maucker and her husband Bob. He married Nancy Wooff Scott on August 2, 1986. She survives. Richard attended Parkside Presbyterian Church in Alton. He served his country with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and fought in the Tet Offensive. He was a gear head and owned a race car and raced on weekends at Alton Dragway. He retired from Boeing after 41 years working on the Tomahawk missiles. Upon retirement, he owned a ’32 Red Roadster that he loved to drive. Richard enjoyed being a grandpa and loved his grand kids. He was a kind spirit and would do anything for anyone. Richard is survived by his wife Nancy, one daughter, Susie (Bob) Oettle of Godfrey and a son, Richard M. Root of Portland, Oregon, two step sons, Ron (Michele) Scott and David (Amber) Scott, six grandkids, Alex Oettle, Kaylee Oettle, Anna Scott, Ethan Scott, Nikolas and Zachary Boswell. He was preceded in death by his parents. Visitation will be from 4:00-8:00 p.m. Thursday, April 27, 2017 at Gent Funeral Home in Alton where funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday, April 28, 2017 with full military honors by the VFW Post 1308. Pastor George Van Voorhis will officiate. Burial will be private. Memorials may be made BJC Hospice or Parkside Presbyterian Church in Alton. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com

Obit Provided By:
Gent Funeral Home