Richard Allen Whitecotton went home to his Lord and Savior on November 5, 2017 in Glen Ellyn, IL at the age of 81.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley, his daughters Laura Wintermute (Rick), Jane Leo (John), and Bethany Otto (Greg), and by his brother, Neal Whitecotton (Judi). He was also the proud grandfather to Nichol Thomas, Emily Leo, Margaret Leo Brinks (Keith), Daniel Leo (Janel), Jennifer Otto, Clarissa Otto, Katerina Otto, and Brian Otto, and the great-grandfather of Chase Thomas.

Richard Allen Whitecotton was born on July 9, 1936 in Chicago, IL to Richard and Marie Whitecotton. He graduated from Wheaton College in 1958 with a degree in Music Education, received his Master's degree from Northwestern in 1968, and earned his doctorate in Education from Northern Illinois University in 1991. In 1957 he married Shirley Watson, whom he met in the concert choir at Wheaton College. They recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

Richard devoted his life to music. He served as organist and choir director at several local churches, spending the most years at First Presbyterian Church, Glen Ellyn and most recently at Grace Lutheran Church, Glen Ellyn. He is best known in the community as the popular and successful head of the music department at Glenbard West High School from 1961 to 1999. During his tenure there, the department boasted upwards of 500 singers, and he is credited by all as giving them a lifelong appreciation for music and the skills to perform it well.

Visitation will be at Hultgren Funeral Home on Friday, November 10 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm. A private burial is planned on November 11 at Lily Lake Cemetery. Donations can be made to the Dr. Richard Whitecotton Music Scholarship Fund , c/o Amy Bendigkeit, 360 Forest Avenue, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137.