Richard (Richie) Joseph Avent, 31, of Laconia, NH, formerly of Marshall, IL passed away suddenly while in the hospital on Friday April 16, 2021. Richie was born on December 5, 1989 in Maywood, IL, a suburb of Chicago, at Loyola University Hospital two months premature. He was 3lbs 5oz and had to stay in the NICU. He was a fighter though and came home on Christmas Eve. Richie has been fighting for his life in one way or another ever since. He was known for his quick wit, infectious smile, impish grin, and his kind and compassionate spirit. When he was younger he loved wrestling, gaming, being outdoors, football, & track and as he got older he was into looking his absolute best, even spending hours in front of the mirror to perfect his look (especially the hair). I would call him my “Sharp Dressed Man and the girls at Marshall High School would call him “The Italian Stallion.” This eventually became a job for him and he was asked to model for Abercrombie & Fitch, in their stores, up in the Chicago land area. He was doing this until at the age of 19, a devastating car accident changed everything. Richie has struggled and been in constant pain for the last twelve years since the accident and even though our broken hearts will forever miss him, he is not struggling anymore. He is free! Richie was preceded in death by his father, Richard, a grandfather, a grandmother, and several aunts and uncles. He is survived by his mother, Patty (Shawn) Durham; his grandmother, Delores Avent; his grandfather, John (Jan) Parrish; his brother, Jeff (Jessica) Dugan; his sisters, Christina Walden, Tricia Avent; his three step brothers, Patrick, Shawn and Gage Durham; a special aunt, Dawn Ciro; a special uncle, Ron Seller and a very special girlfriend, Jenn LaMesa and her children, Brett, Alivia and Wyatt. They were a very important part of his life for the last two years. Memorial services will be 7:00 PM Friday, May 7th at New Rivers Church, 306 Archer Ave. Marshall, IL with Pastor Joey Harryman officiating. Visitation will be 3:00 PM until service time. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made directly to Pearce Funeral Home. Online condolences are being accepted at pearcefuneralservices.com.