Robert Richard Frye

Robert’s (Bob’s) dedication and commitment to excellence and craftsmanship guided his 50-year electrical career. After graduating from East Wenatchee High, Bob completed the I.B.E.W. apprenticeship program and worked for the Alcoa Refinery at Wenatchee Works and the Wells Hydro Electric Plant with the Douglas County Public Utility District until moving to Illinois where he worked at various companies and power stations including the Oil Refineries in Joliet and Lockport; Interstate Electrical Contracting at Coffeen Power Station, Gust K. Newberg Construction, Central Illinois Public Service (CIPS) at Grand Tower Generating Station and the Meredosia Power Station, Public Service of Indiana at Marble Hill Nuclear Station, and Commonwealth Edison Company at both the Kincaid Generating Station and Dresden Nuclear Plants. He eventually landed in Pekin, where he retired from Ameren Corporation. His extensive knowledge of engineering, maintenance, pollution control, and team building, as well as his expertise in Labor/Management relations, earned him deep respect and notoriety.

Bob was a regular attendee at the First Church of the Nazarene in Pekin, where he also used his electrical and building skills to help complete their addition. Bob also enjoyed golf and bowling, playing in leagues throughout his life. There wasn’t a time in his life that he didn’t have an animal companion or two by his side. He loved wildlife, feeding the birds and squirrels, working in the yard, tinkering with vehicles, and fixing things. But nothing brought him greater joy than children and helping those in need. He lived to let others experience the love of God he knew through Jesus the Christ by doing for others, expecting nothing in return, so that they may come to know Him and lead lives of generosity and generativity to the best of their abilities.

Robert (Bob) was born to John (Jack) F. Frye and Alma S. (Cavanaugh) Bolton on September 9, 1940, in Waterville, WA. Bob is survived by his adopted family, Kristie Simmons; grandchildren Makayla Johnson, Austin Simmons, Destiny (London Depew) Johnson; and great-grandchildren Daisy and Melody of Pekin, IL. Bob is also survived by his sister, Connie J. Greenwalt of Vancouver, WA, and his brother, Larry L. Frye of East Wenatchee, WA, his five children: Clifford D. Frye of Taylorville, IL; Debra D. Burson of Phoenix, AZ; Robin D. Brockmeyer of Farmersville, IL; Jason E. Frye of Jacksonville, IL; and Kris M. Frye (Wike) of Jacksonville, FL; 7 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren, along with many other family, friends, neighbors, and the community. He will be greatly missed and forever remembered.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers John H. Frye, Michael H. Frye, and James R. Frye, and sister Betty L. Hertlein.

Please join us and celebrating the life of Bob on April 19 beginning at 1 PM in his home located at 1123 S. 4th St., Pekin, IL 61554. A light reception will follow immediately after the service. Cremation has been accorded by Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

To express condolences online visit www.preston-hanley.com