Richard O. Soldner (84) of Effingham, formerly of Cowden

Richard Owen Soldner, 84, of Effingham, previously of Cowden, passed away Wednesday, May 11, 2016.

Funeral services will be held at 12 noon Saturday, May 14 at First Christian Church of Cowden. Visitation will be from 9am to noon Saturday at the church. There will be a funeral luncheon at the church and then burial will take place at the Farina Cemetery. Memorials may be made to First Christian Church of Cowden, American Cancer Society, or the donor's choice. Lockart-Green Funeral Home in Cowden is assisting the family.

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Richard was born November 1, 1931 the son of Harry Charles and Virginia (Smith) Soldner. He was united in marriage with LaFern Mulvaney on August 11, 1957 and she preceded him in death on May 18, 2014. He married Doris Beck on December 19, 2015. Richard graduated from Farina LaGrove High School in 1949 and then from the University of Illinois School of Agriculture in 1953 with Honors. After graduating he joined his family at Ging Incorporated at the home base in Farina. Richard then went to Cowden after Ging Inc. purchased Cowden Co-op. For many years Richard helped Cowden Co-op thrive with his knowledge in the agriculture field. He furthered that knowledge purchasing several farms and managing them himself. He was a Community Servant serving on various boards, belonging to different organizations and being a mentor to many children. Richard was a member of First Christian Church in Cowden teaching a lot of Sunday School classes. “His only vice was birddogs and quail hunting” always out shooting his older twin brother.

Surviving are his wife Doris of Effingham; son-in-law Richard Drew of Greenville; twin brother Stanley Rudolph (Janice) Soldner of Farina; stepchildren Rhonda (Darrell) Clark of Cowden, Rick (Melody) Beck of Hopkinsville, KY; many nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his parents, wife LaFern, daughter Peggy Lynn Soldner Drew and sister Carolyn Soldner Niehaus.