Robert L Schoonover

He was born March 23, 1931 in Chandlerville to Louis and Margaret Faye (Watkins) Schoonover.  He married Audrey Koch in 1950 in Kilbourne, IL.  He later married Nancy Ellen Bradshaw on October 12, 1990 in Pekin.  She preceded him in death on October 31, 2011 in Pekin.

Also preceding him in death were his parents.

Surviving are one son, Kevin (Julie) Schoonover of Simi Valley, CA; one step-daughter, Robin (Dale) Tippett of Pekin; two step-sons, Dwight (Judith) Rathmel of Porris, CA and Jeffrey (Deborah) Rathmel of Pekin; nine grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; two sisters, Mary Jane Schoonover of Jacksonville, IL, Marjorie Miller of Morton and two nieces.

Robert graduated from Kilbourne High School in 1950.  He then served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War.

Robert worked as a machinist for several aerospace companies after leaving the service.  He last worked for Caterpillar, Inc., in East Peoria as a fork truck operator in the Receiving Dept.  He retired in 1995 after 30 years of service.

A family oriented man, he loved to tinker with anything mechanical and he loved dune buggies and motorcycles.  He had raced motorcycles when he was younger.  Robert also enjoyed being outdoors and working in his garden.

Robert was of the Christian faith.

His funeral will be at 2 p.m. Friday, March 16, 2012 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.  Rev. Terry C. Edele will officiate.  Visitation will be 1 hour prior at the funeral home.  Burial will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin.  Military honors will be performed by Tazewell Area Ceremonial Team and the Military Funeral Honors Team.

Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.

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