Richard Wayne Gould

Richard W. Gould, 79, of Plainfield, Illinois, passed away early Sunday morning, August 16, 2026, at Eden Vista Rock Run in Joliet, Illinois.

Richard was born on April 3, 1947, in Boston, Massachusetts, to the late John and Virginia (France) Gould. He spent his early years in Boston, often alongside his cousin, Bruce Rushforth. The Gould family later moved to Kentucky before settling in Joliet, Illinois, where Richard spent his teenage years working at the Piggly Wiggly grocery store and cruising the city streets. Richard graduated from Joliet West High School and soon began working for Caterpillar Corporation in Rockdale.

In 1966, at the age of 19, Richard felt called to serve his country during the Vietnam War and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps—much to his mother’s displeasure. He completed basic training in San Diego, California, and was sent to Vietnam shortly afterward. While serving there, Richard operated tanks and other heavy equipment, living out the Marine Corps motto, Semper Fidelis—“Always Faithful.”

Richard remained a proud patriot throughout his life. His willingness to serve during wartime reflected his deep love for the United States and his gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy.

After returning home from Vietnam, Richard used the G.I. Bill to earn his commercial driver’s license. He worked for several trucking companies throughout his career and was a proud member of the Teamsters Union. He spent the longest portion of his career driving for Yellow Freight, where he skillfully hauled as many as three trailers at a time. Long before GPS and Apple Maps, Richard had an incredible sense of direction and knew how to get just about anywhere.

On May 28, 1976, Richard married Jean Buzick of Bloomington, Illinois. They eventually made their home on Easy Street in Plainfield, where they remained throughout their life together. Together, Richard and Jean have two daughters, Abigail Koehler and Elizabeth Kotulski.

Richard possessed a strong curiosity about how things worked and enjoyed working with his hands. An avid learner, he continually expanded his knowledge through magazines, encyclopedias, and, later, the internet. With his wide range of interests, Richard seemed to know a little bit about nearly everything and was always eager to share what he had learned.

He had a lifelong love of motorcycles and especially treasured the long rides he shared with his cousin, Bruce, and his lifelong friend, Ted Krumpoch. Richard also cherished family road trips, many of which led to Florida—a place he especially loved for its beaches.

Above all else, Richard loved his grandchildren. He treasured spending time with them, playing with them, and attending their activities. Whether he was sitting outside in the cold to watch a baseball game, attending a dance or gymnastics event, or watching one of his grandchildren perform in a play or choir concert, he was there whenever he could be. He was incredibly proud of everything they accomplished, and his grandchildren were always his favorite topic of conversation.

Richard is survived by his wife, Jean Gould; his daughters, Abigail (Josh) Koehler of Channahon, Illinois, and their six children, Malia (Braden) Forbes, Dawson, Felicity, Brielle, Maisie, and Laelynn; Elizabeth (Joseph) Kotulski of La Porte, Indiana, and their five children, Alathia, Evangeline, Clairianna, Zoey, and Liam; Lisa Stevenson of Jonesboro, Louisiana, and her sons, Zach and Alex; and Tina Jeffirs of Honolulu, Hawaii.

Richard was preceded in death by his father, John Gould; his mother, Virginia (France) Gould; and his brother, Stephen Gould.

Richard will be dearly missed by his family and by all who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the National Embryo Donation Center, 10700 Virginia Pine Way, Suite 202, Knoxville, TN 37932. Donations may also be made online at embryodonation.org/support-nedc.

The National Embryo Donation Center is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to protect the lives and dignity of human embryos by promoting, facilitating, and educating others about embryo donation and adoption. This ministry is especially important to Richard’s family.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at noon on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Mission Bible Church, 412 N. Wabena Avenue, Minooka, IL 60447. Pastor Joseph Kotulski and Pastor Joshua Koehler will officiate.

The family will receive visitors from 10:00 a.m. until noon, immediately preceding the service at Mission Bible Church.

A private burial will take place at a later date at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois.