Ronald R. Knox

He was born in Gregory, South Dakota, July 26, 1934 the son of Virgil E. and Philora E. (Strong) Knox. He married Alvera Moor on June 22, 1958 and she survives.

Also surviving are his brother, Norman (Lorayne) Knox of Idaho Falls, Idaho, his sister, Donna Matejka of Flagstaff, Arizona and several nieces and nephews. His parents, two brothers, William and Eugene, and a sister, Doris preceded him in death.

Ronald grew up in South Dakota where he attended South Dakota School of Mines and South Dakota State University. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville and then a master’s degree in transportation engineering from the University of California, Berkeley. He completed additional graduate work at Northwestern University.

He began his career with the South Dakota highway department and went on to serve highway departments in California and Colorado. In 1968 he and Alvera moved to Springfield where he served as a civil engineer with the State of Illinois Department of Transportation, retiring after 30 years of service.

Ronald’s interests included bird watching, reading, all styles of music, travel and creating outsider art from various discarded materials. He also doted on the five Scotties he and Alvera owned over the years. After retirement he made road trips of several weeks in duration following the trails which contributed to the settlement of the West: Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, Oregon Trail and the Santa Fe Trail.

He was a member of the Washington Park Botanical Garden, Sangamon County Historical Society, Illinois State Museum society, American Society of Civil Engineers and the Illinois Retired State Employees Association.

Cremation rites will be accorded by the Bisch Crematory.

Private family services will be held.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society.

Online condolences may expressed to the family at www.bischfuneralhomewest.com.

Arrangements are in the care of Bisch Funeral Home West. 217-544-5424