Ralph Axtell
Edwardsville |
Ralph W. Axtell, 88, passed away 5:01 a.m., Friday, July 1, 2016 at his residence.
Born on April 20 1928 in Norfolk, Neb., he was the son of Ralph James and Minnie (Luebke) Axtell.
A U.S. army veteran, he served in Japan as part of the U.S. Occupation Forces for 15 months.
He was a Professor of Biological Sciences at Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville for 55 years, retiring in 2014. when he retired, he had the honor of being the longest tenured professor in the school's history. He was named Emeritus Professor in Biological Sciences.
He especially enjoyed family fishing trips to Mt. olive with his grandchildren.
Surviving are a son, Eric (Denise) Axtell of Wood River; three grandchildren, Chelsea, Erika and Kyle; two brothers, James (Gloria) Axtell of Seattle, WA, David Axtell of Edwardsville; and former wife, Carol Bryant of Mt. Olive.
Visitation will be from 2-6 p.m. Wednesday, July 6 at Marks Mortuary in Wood River.
Private interment will follow in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the SIU-E Foundation or American Diabetes Foundation
Mark's Mortuary
