Richard Joseph Dust Sr., 78 of Effingham, passed away Tuesday, January 12, 2021 at Lakeland Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Effingham.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 18, 2021 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Effingham with burial in St. Anthony Cemetery. Memorial donations may be given to the Effingham Retired Volunteer Firefighters Association.

Richard was born October 19, 1942 in Effingham, the son of Lawrence and Mary (Hakman) Dust. He married Karen Bowlin on May 20, 1967 and served with the Army National Guard. Richard spent many years as the owner and operator of Dust Electric alongside his father and later with his son, Rich. He was a volunteer fireman with the Effingham Fire Department and a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Effingham and the Effingham Knights of Columbus Council #665.

Richard is survived by his wife, Karen of Effingham; children, Cheri (Andy) Kistler of Effingham, Rich (Angela) Dust of Watson, Tim (Rosa) Dust of Watson and Matt (Sara) Dust of Bloomington; grandchildren, Taylor, Brooke, Rhett, Raegan, Jessica, Trevin, Ethan and one more on-the-way; great-granddaughter, Emma and special furry friend, Bandit.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Sheila Johnson and Sharon Likovic and grandson, Will.