Robert Spillman

Robert C. Spillman, 89, passed away at 10:15 p.m. Tuesday, June 11, 2013 at his home in Godfrey. Born October 26, 1923 in Mulberry Grove, IL, he was the son of Clarence Carson and Mildred (McVey) Spillman. Bob graduated from Alton High School in 1942.

Upon graduation he entered the U.S. Navy in September of that year and served his country as a pilot in the Pacific Theatre of action for the duration of World War II. After his release from active duty, he remained in the U.S. Naval Reserve and retired on October 26, 1983 having achieved the rank of Lieutenant Commander. After completing active duty in the Navy, he completed his education at Shurtleff College in Alton, graduating with a degree in Physics on May 30, 1955. From March 16, 1950 to February 1, 1985 he worked as a Research Engineer at Shell Oil Company at a number of corporate locations, including the Woodriver Research Facility, New York, Chicago and Houston where he retired after 35 years of service. On July 31, 1948 in Alton, Bob married the former Marie Elizabeth Crowe. They were married for 47 years until her passing in 1955 and had two children, Donald Wayne and Robin James Spillman, both residing with their immediate families in Cypress, TX. On December 7, 2011 he married Josephine Sims (formerly Josephine Roberts) in Alton and have since resided in Godfrey. Along with his first wife Marie, he is preceded in death by his brothers, William Cemer Spillman and Clarence Carson Spillman.

He is survived by his widfe Josephine, their two sons, Donald and Robin, their wives (formerly Cheri Anne Roach and Jeanne Marie Dulinski, respectively), six grandchildren, Justin, Nathan, Travis, Ryan, Jonathan, and Kristine, nine great grandchildren, his present wife Josephine, and step-sons Robert and Ronald Sims. Bob was a member of the Evangelical United Church of Christ and the local VFW Post 1308.

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until time of funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 15, 2013 at Gent Funeral Home in Alton. Reverend Jerry MeCaskey will officiate. Burial will be at Valhalla Memorial Park in Godfrey with full military honors by the Jerseyville American Legion Post 492

Memorials may be made to the Evangelical United Church of Christ Radio Fund. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com