Robert Troxell, 85

Robert Evert Troxell, 85, of Oakford, Ill., died on Feb. 1, 2016 at home, surrounded by his loved ones, after a short but gallant fight against advanced lung cancer.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 4 at Hurley Funeral Home in Petersburg, Ill. A funeral service will be held at 9 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 5 at Hurley Funeral Home in Petersburg, Ill. Burial will be in Camp Butler Cemetery in Springfield, Ill.

He was born on Oct. 7, 1930 in Cartwright Township in Sangamon County, Ill., to Franke and Betty Mae (Thompson) Troxell. He married Marilyn Schwend on Jan. 19, 1952 in Highland, and they enjoyed 64 years together. She survives.

Mr. Troxell proudly served his county in the United States Air Force. He was employed early in his career as an aircraft mechanic at McDonnell Aircraft in St. Louis, Mo., and retired from Ideal Industries in Petersburg, Ill., as a machinist.

He was a lifetime member of Petersburg American Legion. He was an avid reader, and especially enjoyed anything about things of a historical nature. He enjoyed gardening, especially planting tomatoes to feed an army, and the tulips he planted to make Oakford beautiful in the spring. He also enjoyed wildlife and birdwatching.

Other survivors include a daughter Debra (Jay) Hayes of Mapleton, Ill.; sons, Robert A. (Carol Eilers) Troxell of Beardstown, Ill., Mark S. (Barbara Metzger) Troxell of Havana, Ill., and Randy L. (Deborah Williams) Troxell of Springfield, Ill.; 12 grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; seven step-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Edward Troxell and Richard “Lynn” Troxell; and sisters, Louise McHenry and Della Justice.

Memorials may be made to Memorial Home Hospice.

This story was originally published February 3, 2016 at 8:53 AM with the headline "Robert Troxell, 85."