Richard Blue, Sr., 85, of Centralia, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at the age of 85. Born on January 6, 1940, in Centralia, Illinois. Richard lived a life full of love, service, and adventure. He married Saunie (Hugo) Blue on March 24, 1961, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Centralia, and after sharing 64 years of blissful marriage, she preceded him in death on May 19, 2025.
Richard worked as a bricklayer and owned his own bike shop. He was of the Lutheran faith and attended Trinity Lutheran Church in Centralia and Hoffman. He proudly served in the Army. He was a member of the Centralia Elks Lodge 493 and the Centralia American Legion Post 446. He enjoyed antiquing, bowling, and restoring old cars.
Richard is survived by his loving daughter, Tracie Sill and husband Terry; his beloved grandchildren, Cody Sill and Molly Sill; his devoted friend and caregiver, Brenda Hubbs of Centralia, as well as his son, Rick Blue and wife Pam of Odin, and a grandchild, Kelsie Blue. He is also fondly remembered by several cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence Charles Blue and Henrietta (Roper) Miller, his wife, Saunie Blue, brother, Alan Cohlmeyer, and special grandparents, Paul Roper and Wilma Donahue-Roper, who were a large part of his life.
Per Richard’s wishes, cremation rites will be accorded, and a visitation for family and friends will be held Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia from 5:00 pm to 6:45 pm with military rites at 6:45 pm at the Funeral Home. The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to all who have expressed condolences and support. In memory of Richard, memorial donations may be made to the family and will be accepted at Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home at 235 N. Sycamore Street in Centralia, IL 62801, 618-532-3523, who is honored to be of service to the Blue family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com or the Funeral Home’s Facebook page.
