Robert C Kendall

Born August 30, 1926 in Peoria to Norman Chester and Marie Lillian (Eaton) Kendall, he married Shirley O. Dew on November 3, 1952 in Iuka. She survives.

Also surviving are three daughters, Carol (John) Stout, Susan Burk, both of Peoria and Mary (Mark) Rutherford of Shoreview, MN; one son, Robert M. (Leslie) Kendall of New Windsor; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandsons; two brothers, James A. (Jan) Kendall of Peoria and Gary D. (Jan) Kendall of Dayton, OH and one sister, Alberta Perry of Aurora.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, William and Ronald Kendall.

Bob was a World War II Navy veteran, serving aboard an LST in the South Pacific.

He worked for the Chicago & Northwestern Railway in South Pekin for 23 years, retiring in 1990 as conductor. He previously worked 20 years for The Peoria & Pekin Union Railway in South Pekin as a brakeman. Prior to his Navy service, Bob worked for Caterpillar, Inc. for several years, beginning at the age of 16.

Bob was a faithful member of Grace United Methodist Church, where he served as a longtime usher and was a cook with the Kitchen Ministry. He also was a member of the Y.A.M. Adult Sunday School Class and played Santa for many years at the church’s annual Breakfast with Santa. He was a member of the United Transportation Union.

Bob was an avid fisherman, enjoyed cooking and was a big fan of the St. Louis Cardinals. He was devoted to his wife, Shirley and loved his family and church family.

His funeral will be at 10 a.m. Friday, June 6, 2014 at Grace United Methodist Church in Pekin. The Rev. Gary L. Ford will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin, and also from 9 to 9:45 a.m. Friday at the church. Burial will be in Springdale Cemetery in Peoria, where military rites will be accorded by the United States Navy.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Grace United Methodist Church for the Growing God’s Grace Building Fund, 601 North 4th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

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