Ronnie Ray Read, 73, of rural LaHarpe, Ill. , died Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, Ill.

Ron was born Aug. 20, 1951, in LaHarpe the son of Vernon and Anna Lou McGrath Read. On Dec. 26, 1970 he married Teresa Shappell in Carthage, Ill. She survives. Ron was 1969 graduate of LaHarpe High School and attended a mechanic trade school in Burlington. He worked for Bouseman’s Auto Supply in Fountain Green for four years and worked as a farm hand for local farmers for many years. Later, he worked as a contractor for several big-name railroads, retiring in November of 2019.

Mr. Read enjoyed fishing, shooting guns, mowing the yard, antiquing with Teresa and especially spending time with his grandchildren.&nbsp; Besides his wife, survivors include two children: Coco (Louis Lopez) Read and Reo (Kellee) Read both of LaHarpe; two grandchildren, Kennedy and Fulton Read and two siblings: Debbie (Steve) Reed of Blandinsville and Terry (Tyra) Read of Ft. Myers, Florida. He was preceded in death by his parents. Cremation has been entrusted to Banks &amp; Beals Funeral Home.&nbsp; A private Celebration of Ronnie’s Life will held for family and friends.&nbsp;&nbsp; A memorial fund has been established for Blessing Hospice. Memorial may be sent to the Ronnie Read Memorial Fund, c/o Banks &amp; Beals Funeral Home, P.O. Box 503, LaHarpe, IL 61450&nbsp;

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 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2024/9/1725937422769.jpeg" alt="Ronnie Read" />
 <figcaption>Ronnie Read</figcaption>
 </figure>Ronnie Ray Read, 73, of rural LaHarpe, Ill. , died Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, Ill. Ron was born Aug. 20, 1951, in LaHarpe the son of Vernon and Anna Lou McGrath Read. On Dec. 26, 1970 he married Teresa Shappell in Carthage, Ill. She survives. Ron was 1969 graduate of LaHarpe High School and attended a mechanic trade school in Burlington. He worked for Bouseman’s Auto Supply in Fountain Green for four years and worked as a farm hand for local farmers for many years. Later, he worked as a contractor for several big-name railroads, retiring in November of 2019. Mr. Read enjoyed fishing, shooting guns, mowing the yard, antiquing with Teresa and especially spending time with his grandchildren.&nbsp; Besides his wife, survivors include two children: Coco (Louis Lopez) Read and Reo (Kellee) Read both of LaHarpe; two grandchildren, Kennedy and Fulton Read and two siblings: Debbie (Steve) Reed of Blandinsville and Terry (Tyra) Read of Ft. Myers, Florida. He was preceded in death by his parents. Cremation has been entrusted to Banks &amp; Beals Funeral Home.&nbsp; A private Celebration of Ronnie’s Life will held for family and friends.&nbsp;&nbsp; A memorial fund has been established for Blessing Hospice. Memorial may be sent to the Ronnie Read Memorial Fund, c/o Banks &amp; Beals Funeral Home, P.O. Box 503, LaHarpe, IL 61450&nbsp;