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Obituary for M. Roger Busby
Merritt Roger Busby, age 72, of Brocton, IL, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, August 30, 2013 at his home. Roger was born October 21, 1940 in Danville, IL to Edwin and Nora (Glick) Busby. He married Karon Platson Cornwell on October 31, 1992 at the Brocton Christian Church; she survives. He is also survived by two step-children: Julie Cornwell and J.R. (Beth) Cornwell; nieces: Martha Anne (Robert) Bollinger, Katelyn Bollinger and Emily Bollinger; a nephew: David Wagner; three grandchildren: Mitchell, Carissa and Megan Cornwell; his mother-in-law, Virginia Reedy; a brother-in-law: Roger Reedy; sisters-in-law: Janice Sharpton (Richard), Joann Lokken (Robert) and Debra Platson; and several other extended family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Martha Busby Wagner. Roger attended Metcalf Grade School, Hume Jr. High School and graduated from Young America High School in 1959. He served in the US Army from 1964-1967, attaining the rank of Sgt E-5. He served two years in Korea during the Vietnam War era and served as an Assistant Drill Instructor at Ft. Knox, KY. Upon completion of his military service, he attended Eastern Illinois University and graduated in 1971. He also completed the Police Training Institute at the University of Illinois. Roger devoted his life to public service. He spent 12 years as a deputy sheriff for Edgar County, IL and then worked for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services as an abuse investigator and a licensing representative for home day cares until his retirement in 2006. He gave his time and talents to many civic and community organizations including: Delta Sigma Phi fraternity (charter member), Illinois Police Association (life member), Brocton American Legion Post 977 (life member), Oakland VFW Post 3637 (life member), 40/8 (life member), Edgar County Republicans, Amvets (life member), Eastern Alumni Association, National Rifle Association (life member), and the Illinois State Rifle Association (life member). He also held several public offices including the Brocton Town Board, Edgar County Sheriff’s Merit Board and he was the Precinct Committeeman for Embarrass Precinct, Edgar County. Roger was also a member and elder at the Brocton Christian Church. He loved the Lord and cared deeply about people. He was a wonderful husband, friend and neighbor, and he will be missed terribly by the many people who knew and loved him. Visitation will be held Tuesday, September 3, 2013 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Krabel Funeral Home in Oakland, IL. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, September 4 at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Embarrass Cemetery with military honors provided by the Brocton American Legion Post 977 and the Oakland VFW Post 3637. For those who wish, memorials may be made in lieu of flowers to the Brocton Christian Church or the Brocton American Legion in care of the funeral home. Online condolences and service information are available at www.krabelfuneralhome.com.
