Robert L. Schrader

Robert L. Schrader, 76, of Dowell, passed away at 11:15 a.m. Thursday, May 29, 2014 at his residence.

Robert was a retired guard at the Centralia Prison and a locksmith. He was of the protestant faith and a member of the VFW and American Legion. Robert proudly served his country as a U.S. Navy veteran.

He was born Feb. 6, 1938 at Belleville, Ill. the son of Philip P. and Doretha (Moody) Schrader.

He first married Alice Stephens and he then married Virginia Lee Autry Neely on April 26, 1969 at Belleville, Ill. and she preceded him in death on June 26, 2012.

He is survived by two sons- Allen Schrader of Washington and Christopher Schrader and wife Marsha of Indiana, one daughter- Dorthea Arnold of Indiana, step children- Patricia Betts and husband David of Du Quoin, Barbara Ann Dunmyer and husband Gordon of Dowell and Dellene E. Price and husband Paul of Elkville, 14 grandchildren, 34 great grandchildren and 15 great great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, step children- Peggy Lee Neely and Leonard Raymond Neely and nine grandchildren.

Military graveside services will be at 10:00 a.m. Monday, June 9, 2014 at the Old Du Quoin Cemetery with the Du Quoin VFW, Du Quoin American Legion and the U.S. Navy conducting the service.

Burial will be in the Old Du Quoin Cemetery at Du Quoin.

Those attending the services are asked to go directly to the cemetery.

Friends may make memorials to the VFW Funeral Detail and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Searby Funeral Home of Du Quoin is in charge of arrangements.

For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.