Richard L. Bax, age 82, of Elwood, IL, formerly of Morrison, IL passed away unexpectedly on Friday, January 23, 2026, at St. Joseph Medical Center, Joliet, IL.
Richard was born in Jefferson City, MO, to the late Gilbert and the late Helen (nee Zey) Bax. Richard retired from Quad Cities Generating Station, Cordova, IL. He was a proud U. S. Navy Veteran, passionate hunter, avid fisherman, and an enthusiastic pocket watch collector. He loved traveling, camping, and golfing. Richard gave back to his community in many ways, from serving on the Finance Council at St. Mary’s to participating in Knights of Columbus, as well as supporting other charitable causes. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, particularly at their various sporting events. Richard will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
He was the beloved husband of Mary Ellen (nee Mehmert) Bax; loving father of Richard (Kari Olsen) Bax, Jr., Douglas (Heather) Bax, Nick (Colleen) Bax, and Nathan (Jennifer) Bax; cherished grandfather of Jake Bax, Deven Bax, Jackson (Molly) Bax, Ashley Bax, Kyle Bax, Logan Bax, and Leah Bax; dear brother of Gilbert (Carol Sue) Bax, the late Robert Bax, Clifford (late Judy) Bax, the late Dennis Bax, and Sue (Jody) Evans; loved uncle, cousin, and friend of many.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Richard’s name may be made to the Veterans Assistance Commission of Will County, 2400 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 110, Joliet, IL 60435 or the American Indian College Fund engage.collegefund.org.
The family will receive friends at Kurtz Memorial Chapel, 102 E. Francis Road, New Lenox, IL, on Friday, January 30, 2026, from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Funeral Services will be on Saturday, January 31, 2026, with prayers at the funeral home at 9:30 a.m., then move to St. Jude Catholic Church, New Lenox, IL, for Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m.
Interment will be at Maplewood Cemetery, New Lenox, IL.
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