Robert J. Minton

 Robert J. "Bob" Minton, 79, of Marion, passed away at 4:15 p.m. Tuesday, April 25, 2006, in Heartland Regional Medical Center in Marion.

He was born in Alto Pass on Dec. 16, 1926, the son of Lewis B. Sr. and Pearl May (Johns) Minton.

He attended the Alto Pass school system and was a graduate of Alto Pass High School. Bob, as he was known by many, answered the call of the nation by serving during World War II in the United States Army aboard a hospital ship traveling between the United States and France. After his tour of duty was fulfilled, he was honorably discharged in November 1946.

He was united in marriage to June Smith on Dec. 2, 1967, in Marion. Together they shared nearly 39 years of marriage.

Bob worked as a journeyman lineman mainly in highline construction field. During his career he had worked for several of the highline companies in the area.

His church membership was with Mount Moriah Lutheran Church in Anna. His other memberships include being life member of Marion Elks BPOE 800, where he was honored as Elk of the Year, life member of Cairo Masonic Lodge 237 for 54 years, 58-year member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers 702, life member of the Southern Illinois Bass Busters Association and life member of Heyde-Pillow VFW Post 1301 in Marion.

He is survived by his wife, June Minton of Marion; daughter and son-in-law, Lisa M. and Jim Whitehead of Jonesboro; grandsons, Brian J. Whitehead and Alan M. Whitehead, both of Jonesboro; nieces, Linda Jackson and husband, Gary, of Anna, Brenda Wilmouth and husband, Hubert, of Carbondale, Mariann Crowell and husband, DeWayne, of Murphysboro, Cindy Piephoff and husband, Jim, of St. Louis, and Chris Becker and husband, Doug, of Coppell, Texas; nephews, Gerald Dawes of New York, Gary Dawes of Anna, F. James Smith of St. Louis and Tom Smith and wife, Ann, of Columbia, Mo.; sister-in-law, Frances Vande Kerk and husband, John, of Rock Valley, Iowa; several great-nieces and great-nephews; other extended family members; and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Joyce Whiteside and her husband, George; brother, Lewis B. Minton Jr. and his wife, Mary; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Arrangements for Robert J. 'Bob' Minton have been entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, located at 900 N. Court Street in Marion. Visitation will be between the hours of 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Friday, April 28, at the funeral home. Following the time of visitation, family and friends will leave Marion for the graveside committal service at 2 p.m. in Alto Pass Cemetery, with the Rev. Dr. Richard Hertenstein presiding. Those wishing to attend the graveside committal service only should gather at the cemetery prior to the time of the service at 2 p.m.

For those who prefer to make a contribution in Robert’s memory, the family has requested either the Mount Moriah Lutheran Church Organ Fund or the Marion Elk’s Crippled Children Fund. Memorials may be mailed care of Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home P.O. Box 370 Marion, IL 62959. Memorial envelopes will also be available at the funeral home. For additional information, please contact the funeral home by calling (618) 993-2131.