Richard “Dick” L. Crippen, age 68 of Salem, passed away on Saturday January 16, 2021 at SSM Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt Vernon. Richard was born on August 18, 1952 in Salem, the son of Lee D. and Ella Leona (Boyer) Crippen. He married Patrica “Pat” Beard on September 2, 1971 and she survives in Salem. Survivors include his wife, Pat Crippen of Salem; daughter, Jeannie Crippen Firnhaber and significant other Ross Smith of Centralia; son, Timothy Wayne Crippen and wife Terwrin of St. Jospeph, IL; brothers, Darrell Crippen and wife Patsy of Salem, and Bob Crippen and wife Kathy of Shobonier; sisters, Joyce McGuire and husband Bill of Alma; and Debbie Hancock and husband Donnie of Iuka; grandchildren, Hannah Firnhaber and fiancé Kyler Stephens, Kelby Firnhaber, Cameron Smith, Logan Smith, Kailey Smith, Reagan Crippen, and Kyden Crippen; two great grandchildren, Ryder Stephens and Taelynn Stephens; special uncle, Mickey Crippen of Salem. He was also survived by several other aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his father and mother in-law, Everett and Ruth Beard, and a cousin, Neal Crippen. Dick retired from the gas department for the City of Salem after working there for over 30 years. He was of the Christian faith. He was a long-time member of the Marion County Fair Board, and a 20-year member of the 17th Regiment with the Illinois Territorial Rangers. Funeral services for Richard “Dick” Crippen will be held on Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Crouse Funeral Home with Kenny Cripps officiating. Burial will follow at Summit Prairie Cemetery in Salem. There will be a visitation on Tuesday at the funeral home from 5:00 – 7:00 pm. Memorial contributions can be made to the Summit Prairie Cemetery or the donor’s choice and can be left at the funeral home. Online condolences can be left at www.CrouseFH.com. To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Richard "Dick" L. Crippen, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.