veteran

Frank & Bright Funeral Home

Rick Broz

Feb 19th, 1948 - Nov 23rd, 2020

   Richard “Rick” J. Broz, age 72, of Louisville, Illinois, passed away Monday morning, November 23, 2020, at Clay County Hospital.

   He was born February 19, 1948, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the son of Joseph and Winifred (Bethoski) Broz.  He was united in marriage to Billa F. Pennington on May 6, 1972, in Flora in a ceremony at home and together they have shared 48 wedding anniversaries.     

   Rick worked as a food supervisor at Lawrenceville prison.  He proudly served 3 years in the Army, serving during Vietnam.  Rick enjoyed riding motorcycles, visiting with friends at J.R.’s Automotive, and sharing his passion for working on old cars with his grandchildren.  Rick was a lifelong Pittsburgh Steelers fan.  He and Billa enjoyed traveling, especially to Myrtle Beach and Rick always stayed involved with his family, especially his grandchildren.  He was a member of the Centralia VFW, Flora Masons, Louisville American Legion, and the Shriners and often volunteered for the road runners which provided medical transport for children.  Rick also served as President of the Clay County Vietnam Veterans group that placed the POW-MIA plaque at Flora Library Park.    

   He is survived by his wife: Billa Broz of Louisville; 2 sons: Richard (Bonnie) Broz of Texas and Joseph “Joey” (Brooke) Broz of Windsor; grandchildren: Marisa, Kyle, Anthony, and Joseph Broz; great-grandchildren: Aiden and Violet; and several nieces and nephews also survive.

   He was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings: Warren “Bud” Broz and Patricia “Dolly” LaFrenie.

   A remembrance ceremony where family and friends will be invited to share memories will be held at 4 p.m. on Sunday, November 29, 2020, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora.  Visitation will be 2 until 4 p.m. on Sunday at the funeral home.  Memorial donations are suggested to St. Louis Shriners Hospital for Children or Shriners Road Runners and will be accepted through the funeral home.  To share a memory or condolence visit: www.frankandbright.com