Dr. Richard L. Thalman

CARBONDALE – Dr. Richard Lowell Thalman, aged 62, passed away April 19, 2023 at his home in Carbondale, IL. He was a long-time chiropractor and beloved community member.

Dr. Thalman was born August 27, 1960 in Carbondale to Jeanne and Dr. Wellington C. Thalman. Richard graduated from Carbondale Community High School in 1978. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, and then graduated from Logan Chiropractic University in St. Louis, MO.

After graduation from chiropractic school he joined Fitzmaurice Sports Chiropractic where he specialized in physical and sports medicine. In 1992, he opened Thalman Chiropractic. Dr. Thalman was known for his unwavering commitment to excellent patient care and for his deep compassion for his patients.

Dr. Thalman loved the town he was raised in. He has been described as a “great ambassador” for Carbondale and Southern Illinois. He was actively involved with the Boys & Girls Club in Carbondale, having served on the Club’s board for many years.

Dr. Thalman was an avid outdoorsman as well as a sports enthusiast. He enjoyed football, baseball, hiking, hunting, fishing, snow skiing, snowmobiling and motorcycle racing. He was honored with the American Motorcyclist’s highest award: the National number one plate in 1995 for the open B series of the National Hare and Hound Harescramble Championship.

To his family, Richard was a caring, generous, funny and loving man who always welcomed friends and family to his home. He cherished his family and numerous friendships, many of whom he maintained since childhood.

For the past 25 years, Richard’s pride and joy was his home in the country: Thalman Oaks Farm, which was a labor of love for him. He enjoyed growing a garden, and making homemade maple syrup.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors are siblings: Susan Leik (Jerry) of Moultrie, GA; Paula Smith (Leland) of Peachtree Corners, GA; Nancy Thalman of Sebastopol, CA; niece Cassie Smith (Paul) of Atlanta, GA; nephew Tyler Smith (Emily) of Alpharetta, GA; and great nephews Wyatt Smith and Jeb Smith of Alpharetta, GA.

A memorial service, hosted by the family, will be held Saturday, April 29th at First Presbyterian Church in Carbondale, 310 S. University Ave. Visitation with family will be from 10:00-11:00 a.m. followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. with a reception afterwards. Please come celebrate his life with us.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that a consideration be made to making a donation to the Boys & Girls Club of Southern Illinois: BGCSI, P. O. Box 3092, Carbondale, IL 62902.

Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale is in assisting with arrangements. To leave a story or memory of Richard, visit www.meredithfh.com