Eric "Rick" Dooley (78) of Hidalgo

Eric “Rick” Dooley, age 78, of Hidalgo, Illinois, passed away on October 22, 2024.

Born on January 15, 1946, in Mattoon, Illinois, he was the son of Clyde and Mary Dooley. Rick graduated from Limestone Community High School in 1964 and proudly served in the United States Air Force, stationed in the Philippines. Following his military service, he embarked on a 30-year career with Caterpillar Tractor, where he made many lasting friendships. An avid fisherman and sports enthusiast, Rick cherished time spent with family and friends. He was a dedicated member of the Yale Church of Christ and served on the board of the Crooked Creek Fire Protection District in Hidalgo.

Rick is survived by his sons, Michael (Jennifer) Dooley of Plainfield, IL and Daniel (Vicki)Dooley of Pekin, IL and his beloved grandchildren, Stephanie, Brittney, Joshua, Maranda, Olivia, Kaleigh, and Hannah, Son in law John Wrotten, Delaware.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Mary, brothers Philip and Dean, daughter Aimee(John) Wrotten , sisters-in-law Velina Dooley and Ruth Ann Dooley, and nephew Steve Dooley.

Rick’s ashes will be interred at the Abraham Lincoln Military Cemetery, Elwood, IL, with full military honors. He will be remembered for his kindness, love of family and friends and his pride of living “down home”.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Rick’s honor to puppyjake.org. Online condolences can be expressed by clicking here,