Robert E. “Sam” Funkhouser, age 86 of Highland, IL, died Wednesday, January 24, 2018, at Deceased’s Residence in Highland, IL.
He was born on Monday, February 09, 1931, in Granite City, IL, the son of Jesse and Vera (nee Landreth) Funkhouser.
On Saturday, May 12, 1973, he married Dianne Ellis Funkhouser nee Stallard at Grace Baptist Church, Granite City, IL, who survives.
He was a member of Highland Hope United Methodist Church, Highland, IL; Charter Member and OWLS at Highland Hope United Methodist Church; and the Steel Workers Union.
Mr. Funkhouser was born in Granite City and grew up there. He later moved to St. Jacob in 1973 and then to Highland in 1977. He worked at Granite City Steel. He then served with the US Marine Corps, active duty during the Korean War from 1952 to 1954. He earned the Korean Service Medal with 3 Stars, National Defense Service Medal and the United Nations Medal. He then returned and worked at Granite City Steel for a total of 48 years, retiring in 1997. He liked golfing, fishing, growing roses and watching the St. Louis Cardinal baseball games. He also enjoyed auto shows and red Cadillac’s and Buick’s. He was a very active member of his church.
Survivors include:
Wife – Dianne E. Funkhouser, nee Stallard, Highland, IL
Daughter – Connie L. (Hank) Hunter, Watertown, SD
Granddaughter – Candace Angela Miller, West Virginia,
Brother – Jesse M. Funkhouser, Jr., Creswell, OR
Brother – John Lee Funkhouser, Post Falls, ID.
He was preceded in death by:
Father – Jesse M. Funkhouser – Died 12/16/1972
Mother – Vera L. Funkhouser, nee Landreth – Died 03/29/1995
Second Wife – Gracie P. “Pauline” Funkhouser, nee Patterson – Died 05/06/1971
Sister – Sadie R. Brown – Died 11/30/1985.
Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL.
Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Monday, February 05, 2018, at Highland Hope United Methodist Church in Highland, IL.
Memorial Service will be at 11:00 AM on Monday, February 05, 2018, at Highland Hope United Methodist Church in Highland, IL, with Rev. Dr. Beverly Wilkes Null, Pastor, officiating; Rev. Dan L. Perry, Pastor, Tremont UMC, Tremont, IL, co-officiating.
Interment will be at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, MO.
Memorial contributions may be made to Highland Hope United Methodist Church or Highland Home.
