Robert L. 'Bob' Stricklin

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Robert L. "Bob" Stricklin, 72, of Marion passed away at 9 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2008, at the Fountains Nursing Home in Marion.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 15, 2008, at the Blue Funeral Home in Marion with the Rev. John Howat and the Rev. David Hancock officiating. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 14, 2008, at the funeral home. Burial will be at Rose Hill Cemetery in Marion. Military rites will be held at the cemetery by VFW Post No. 1301, American Legion Post No. 147 and the National Guard. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or American Heart Association; envelopes are available at the funeral home or may be sent c/o Blue Funeral Home, P.O. Box 411, Marion, Ill. 62959.

Mr. Stricklin was born March 19, 1936, in Carrier Mills to Jeff and Dimple (Durfee) Stricklin. He married Phylis Jean Neely in 1958; she preceded him in death on July 22, 1994.

Survivors include sister and brother-in-law, Pat and Bill Wiese of Marion; nephews, Greg Wilson and fiancee, Cathy Newbold and Randy and Trina Wiese; great-nephews, Garrett Wilson and Austin Wiese; great-nieces, Madison Wilson and Alexis Wiese; aunt, Imogene Edwards; uncle, Clyde Durfee; special companion, Brenda Stricklin of Herrin; and extended family, Chris and Linda Bickers and their daughters, Laura and Julie.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; and infant son.

Mr. Stricklin was a member of Cana Baptist Church, southeast of Marion. He worked as general manager and later co-owner of Edwards Mobile Home Sales, was a cattle farmer, and as a security guard at General Dynamics. He was a member of the Williamson County Shrine Club, Masonic Lodge 89 A.F. and A.M., Dorcas Shrine No. 61, Williamson County Farm Bureau and Williamson County Fair past board member. He served his country with the United States Marine Corps from 1954-1957. He loved hunting and trapping.

To view this obituary and sign the register book, you may visit the Web site www.bluefuneralhome.com.