Robert J. Cokel

Robert J. Cokel, 69, of Monmouth, IL. died at 8:55 A.M. Saturday, March 29, 2014 at his home.

He was born January 6, 1945 in Victoria, IL. he was son of Victor and Irene Mildred (Murphy) Cokel. He was raised and educated in Monmouth, graduating from Monmouth High School in 1964. He later graduated from Western Illinois University.

Bob Joined the U.S. Army and later the U.S. Air force reaching the rank of Master Sgt. Before retiring from the Air National Guard in 1987.Bob married Julia Artiaga in Monmouth at Immaculate Conception Church on May 21, 1966 and she survives.

Bob worked as a computer programmer for Western Illinois University. He later worked in Highway Maintenance Dept. for IDOT before retiring in 2007.

He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Monmouth Knights of Columbus, MENSA, and the State of Illinois National Guard Rifle Team. He was a life time member of the Roy Rogers Little Buckaroo Club. He served as a Cub Scout Leader and a term on the Monmouth City Council.

Survivors include his wife; 2 daughters, Maria (Chris) Cooper of Indianapolis, IN., and Trina (Niall) Little of Chicago; 1 son, Lance Cokel and Amanda Prior of Indianapolis, IN.; 6 grandsons, Adam Lawson, Robert Mitchel Lawson, Ronan Cooper, Eoin Little, Keegan Cokel and Murphy Cokel; sisters, Alice (Will) Clark and Barb (Max) Leezer both of Monmouth; brother, Jerry (Bonnie) Cokel of Media, IL; several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A Memorial Mass with Military Honors will be at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, April 2, 2014 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Monmouth. Cremation has been accorded. No visitation hours are planned. Memorials may be given to Cure MSA (the Kathy Shih Memorial Foundation for MSA). Arrangements are in the care of McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth.