EAST PEORIA...Robert W. Reeser, Sr., 84, of East Peoria passed away at 8:30 p.m., Wednesday, June 29, 2011 at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria.
Bob was born on January 28, 1927 in Peoria to William and Irene Nevin Reeser. He married Patricia A. McGuire on February 12, 1949. Pat preceded him in death on January 27, 2006 in Washington.
Among those surviving is a daughter, Debbie Hulvey of West Peoria; one son, Robert (Lori) Reeser, Jr. of Bartonville and two granddaughters, Heidi (Ben) Nixon of St. Charles, Missouri and Jennifer Hulvey of West Peoria. Bob was also preceded in death by his parents.
Bob served in the United States Navy in World War II from 1944 to 1946 aboard the USS Phillip.
He retired from the Peoria Pekin Union Railway after 42 years of service as a locomotive engineer.
Bob was a master mason belonging to Hilton Lodge in East Peoria and was also a past Monarch of Abbas Grotto, M.O.V.P.E.R. in East Peoria where he had served in various capacities over the years. He was also a member of VFW Post 2078 and the East Peoria Boat Club.
There will be a Masonic Memorial Service at 7 p.m. at Mason-White Funeral Home in Washington followed by a celebration of life service for Bob with Pastor Jim Gorby officiating. At the conclusion of those services military rites will be accorded by the US Navy and Tazewell Military Rites Team. The family will receive friends one hour prior to services on Friday.
Bob’s family would like to thank the many nurses and doctors of OSF Saint Francis who provided the very best and excellent care in the last day of life. A special heartfelt thanks to Karen, MICU nurse and Dr. Sudha.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.