Robert G Sidell

Born October 28, 1945 in Pekin to Gerald J. and Leatha M. (Jackson) Sidell, he married H. Virginia "Ginny" Cady on October 2, 1965 at Pekin First Church of the Nazarene.  She survives.

Also surviving are two sons, Dr. (MAJ) Robert Brian (Leigh) Sidell of Aberdeen, NC and Jason Paul (Sharon) Sidell of Aurora; one daughter, Meggen Jennifer (Ryan) Hazelwood of Pekin; six grandchildren, Sage, Brieg, and Anders Hazelwood and Blake, Reid and Tatum Sidell and one brother, Gerald (Diana) Sidell of Bloomington.He also leaves two nieces, two nephews, two great-nieces and five great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Sharon Kay Jones. 

He was a United States Army veteran of the Vietnam War.  Bob was a 1963 graduate of Pekin Community High School and attended both Illinois Central College and Illinois State University.

A Wal-Mart employee for more than 25 years, Bob served as manager of the Pekin Wal-Mart for 21 years.  Bob and Pekin Wal-Mart were honored by the Children’s Miracle Network for fundraising and twice selected as a regional super center of the year. 

Bob was giving of his time and served as a member of the City of Pekin Economic Development Committee, United Way of Pekin board of directors and Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce board of directors.  He also served the community as a member of the Salvation Army Advisory Board and as a member of the Pekin Youth Hockey board.

He was an active member of Pekin First Church of the Nazarene for 40 years.  During that time he served on the church board, as a Sunday school teacher, children church and teen leader, Caravan's leader and usher.

He was an awesome Pa-pa who dearly loved his grandchildren, as well as enjoyed fishing and Chicago sports.

His funeral will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, October 27, 2011 at Pekin First Church of the Nazarene.  The Rev. W. Lloyd Brock will officiate.  Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.  Burial will be in Prairie Haven Cemetery in Pekin, with military rites accorded by the United States Army and the Tazewell Area Ceremonial Team.

Memorial contributions may be made to Pekin First Church of the Nazarene for their pond beautification project, 3514 Broadway, Pekin, IL 61554.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com