Staunton IL, 8/21/24 – The Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway has learned that over the weekend our dear friend and former Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway board member, Rich Henry, has passed away. Rich died on Friday, August 16th, 2024 in Staunton, at the age of 77. Rich was the owner of Henry’s Ra66it Ranch, a major Route 66 attraction in Staunton, Illinois. We offer our sincere condolences to the family and also to the Rabbit and Route 66 communities.
Henry’s Ra66it Ranch opened in Staunton, Illinois on Route 66 in 1995. It was called Henry’s Old Route 66 Emporium. In 1999, Rich added his rabbit friends (from rabbit rescue shelters) and Volkswagen Rabbit vehicles, and renamed the establishment as Henry’s Ra66it Ranch. Rich wanted to add a unique vintage look to the southern portion of Illinois Route 66.
Henry’s Ra66it Ranch was Inducted into the Route 66 Association of Illinois Hall of Fame on June 9, 2012.
Rich was also instrumental in the early formation of the Illinois Route 66 Heritage Project, Inc. (more commonly known as the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway). He sat on the original board of directors for the organization after it was designated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and the board took up business at hand in 2003-2004. On September 22, 2005, Illinois Route 66 was designated a National Scenic Byway. Rich was instrumental in getting the Illinois Route 66 state license plate program in place. In 2019, Henry’s Ra66it Ranch was featured on the cover of the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway visitors guide.
Below is a compilation of photos and video clips from 2013-2020 from the Byway archives:
Above all, Rich was a great friend, and he will be dearly missed. Rest in Peace, Rich Henry, from all of us at the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway.
Arrangements:
The visitation is from 4 to 8 PM on Sunday, August 25, 2024 at Williamson Funeral Home in Staunton, IL. A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday, August 26, 2024 at Zion Lutheran Church in Staunton, IL, with Pastor Phil Girardin officiating.
Memorials are suggested to Dolly’s Dream Home Rabbit Rescue, 494 S. Fifth St., St. Charles, MO 63001.
More information at: https://www.williamsonfh.com/obituary/Richard-HenrySr.
