Richard Cregar

Richard Cregar

Preemption, Illinois

Richard Cregar, 72, passed away on Monday, June 3, 2024, at UnityPoint Trinity Hospital in Rock Island, Illinois. Masonic Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Mount Vernon. Burial will follow at Lisbon Cemetery. Luncheon will follow at Gwen’s Restaurant, Lisbon.

Rich was born March 16, 1952, son to William and Elaine (Biskup) Cregar. He married Virginia Brower on August 10, 1972, in Lisbon, Iowa.

Rich’s last employment was a training delivery specialist for John Deere. His skills and knowledge led him to be an instructor in sustainable transportation technologies at Wake Technical Community College in Raleigh, North Carolina. Rich was also the co-director of the Transportation Sector of North Carolina’s Code Green Super Curriculum Improvement Project. He was also named a GlaxoSmithKline Fellow at the Institute for Emerging Issues at North Carolina State University. In addition to teaching, Rich developed and presented continuing education workshops dealing with the production of biodiesel, clean diesel technology, vehicle emissions systems, hybrid electric drive systems and electric vehicles. Rich has also written dozens of articles about renewable fuels, advanced drive systems and workforce development for green transportation. He was invited to the White House to receive the Champion of Change award for his excellent work in alterative energy.

He was a proud member of the Masonic Lodge, Mercedes Benz Club of America, and various British Car Clubs. He also had his hands on anything with four wheels. He was always fixing, selling, talking, and sharing his knowledge about cars.

He was selfless to his family, understanding that his greatest legacy lay in their happiness and success. His grandchildren, inspired by his example, are committed to service in their communities and beyond ensuring his legacy continues.

He is survived by his wife, Virginia Cregar; children, Mercedes (Dan Godsil) Cregar and Genevieve (Michael) Flanagan; grandchildren, Tristen Alvis, Jenna Alvis, Danny Godsil, Richard “Bode” Alvis Benjamin Flanagan, and William Flanagan; siblings, William Cregar and Elyse Cregar; sister-in-law, Patricia Cregar; and many loving family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and daughter, Heidi Alvis.

Memorials may be made out to your local Masonic Lodge’s scholarship fund.