Joseph "Joe" E. Reilly

Joseph "Joe" E. Reilly, Jr., 92, of Springfield, died at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, November 13, 2017 at Heritage Health. Joe was born March 21, 1925 in Springfield, the son of Joseph E. and Anna Cox Reilly, Sr. He married Rosemary Fox on January 29, 1947 in Springfield; she preceded him in death on October 26, 2009. Joe graduated from Cathedral Boys High School and proudly served his country in the United States Navy. He was co-owner of A.W. Sikking Company and had numerous other businesses over the years. He was past-president of the Lake Springfield Postal Club and served on the board for the AAA Cardinals team while they were in Springfield. Joe was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, and enjoyed traveling, construction projects around the house and inventing things to make his life easier. However, his most prized project was his family. He was a handsome prince to his wife, Rosemary; the hero father to his daughter, Bonnie; second dad to his son-in-law, George; revered Poppy to B.J. (Laura) and Brad (Betsy); funny, generous Poppy who gave money and cookies to great-grandkids at family events; and an adoptive dad to Sandy. As family patriarch, he taught everyone strength, love, and of course how to laugh and live life to the fullest. He was also preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Frank Reed. He is survived by his daughter, Bonnie R. (husband, George) Books of Springfield; adoptive daughter, Sandy Fox (husband, David) Zepp; grandchildren, B.J. (wife, Laura) Books of Bloomington, and Brad (wife, Betsy) Books of Springfield; adoptive granddaughter, Lisa (husband, Eric) Koskey; great-grandchildren, Riley, Karigan, George, Graciella, and Logan Books; sister, Gwen Reed of Springfield; and nieces and nephews, John, Kathy, Rick and Terrie. Cremation was accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies. Graveside Ceremony: 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 22, 2017 at Camp Butler National Cemetery with military honors provided by the Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County and the Department of Defense. Memorial contributions may be made to: Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 75817, Topeka, KS 66675-8517 or Cardiac Whack, 2609 Montega Drive, Springfield, IL 62704, to benefit Prairie Heart Research.