Robert McGhee

Dateline:  Godfrey, IL Robert L. McGhee, 86, passed away at 9:00 pm Monday August 25, 2014 at The Fountains in Godfrey, IL with his family by his side.He was born on March 5, 1928 in Emma, IL, the son of the late Aaron and Reba (Pettijohn) McGhee.Mr. McGhee was a veteran of the US Navy. He married Esther Joyce on July 4, 1948, in Carmi, and she survives. Robert had worked as an insurance agent for Prudential and Metropolitan Life. He held a Bachelor’s Degree in Science from Shurtleff College. He excelled in athletics during his life time. His greatest joy was coaching the Alton A’s baseball team for 12 years. He served as the Roxana Park and Recreation Director. Robert enjoyed wood working and refinishing.In honor of the most amazing man we have ever known. This day will be forever engraved in our hearts. Robert Laverne McGhee has finished his journey on this earth. He was loved by all who knew him. His family was right by him at his bedside. He is smoking his pipe, petting Miss Kitty, speaking Spanish, rejoicing with Jesus, his brother, sister, mother, and father. Our father was the absolutely most special, precious man, father, husband, and grandfather a person could ask for. Please say a prayer for our family during this difficult time.In addition to his wife, Esther; he is survived by five daughters and sons-in-law, Deborah and Ray Walter Jr. of Brighton, Donna and Randy Hard of Alton, Denise and Tim Holden of Godfrey, Doreen and Randy Schnarr of Alton, and Danette and Jeffrey Whitehead of Alton; nine grandchildren, Ray Walter III, Brian Walter, Chris Hard, Katie Hard, Meghan Parker, Emilie Holden, Rachel Jones, Chase Gray, and Caleb Whitehead; eight great-grandchildren, Collin Walter, Alyson Walter, Maddy Walter, Drew Hard, Rhyan Hard, Tyler Parker, Tyrriah Parker, and Kai Jones.In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by a brother, Jim McGhee; and a sister, Stella Michael.Visitation will held Thursday, August 28, 2014, from 4 to 8 pm at Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Alton. Funeral services will be held Friday, August 29, 2014 at 11 am in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Mike Adams officiating.Burial will be in Upper Alton Cemetery.Memorials may be made to the Kidney Foundation and the American Diabetes Association.Online condolences and guest book may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com.

Obit Provided By:
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home