Richard J. Loveless, 71, of Fairview Heights, Ill., born Dec. 4, 1943 in St Louis, Mo., died Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2015 at home peacefully in his sleep. Mr. Loveless retired after a 30 year career in construction as a safety engineer. He loved auto racing, was an excellent cook, and enjoyed preparing elaborate meals for family gatherings. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Mary, nee Manock, Loveless. Surviving are his loving partner of 30 years, Georgann Walker of Fairview Heights, Ill.; two step-daughters, JoAnn Schwartz of Germantown, Ill., and Janis (John) LaVelle of Birmingham, Ala.; three grandchildren; a great-grandchild; a sister, Carolyn Fortel of St Louis, Mo.; two nephews; and many friends and extended family. Richard's body has been donated to science through the Washington University School of Medicine "Gift of Body" program. VALHALLA GAERDNER HOLTEN FUNERAL HOME, Belleville, Ill. Funeral Home Valhalla Gardens of Memory 3412 Frank Scott Pkwy West Belleville, IL 62223 (618) 233-3110 Published in Belleville News-Democrat on Feb. 27, 2015 -