Robert D. Opolka, 87, of Taylorville, passed away February 8, 2013 at 6:54 p.m. at Taylorville Memorial Hospital in Taylorville. He was born November 24, 1925 in Wamac, IL. The Son of Joseph Victor and Mamie Lucille Thrilkill Opolka. He married Marjorie Deatherage on July 1, 1950 in Waverly, IL. She preceded him in death on February 29, 2000. He was a Coal miner for Peabody Coal Company as a brick layer, repairman, and electrician.

He served in the U.S. Navy during WWII as a cook aboard the cargo ship USS Achernar during the invasion at Omaha Beach and later at the invasion of Okinawa. He was an avid fisherman and was an instrumental volunteer in the silt dam and fish nursery projects at Lake Taylorville, for which he was honored by Mayor Dick Adams with a Key to the City. He was a member of Taylorville Christian Church, VFW Post 4495, past board Member of Boyd Dappert youth reserve.

He is survived by his Son: Robert Joseph (Debbie) Opolka of Bremerton, WA.; Daughter: Gail (Ricky) Hoffman of Taylorville, IL; Grandchildren: Chris Opolka, Karen (Shawn) Lee, Eric Hoffman and Jody (Rob) Burtnett; Great-Grandchildren: Jordan Fields, Marissa Lee and James Burtnett; Brothers: Joseph Opolka of Bessmer, AL.; James Opolka of Azle, TX.; Girlfriend: Patricia Phillips and family of Taylorville, IL; Several Nieces, Nephews and Cousins

Funeral services will be held Thursday, February 14, 2013 at 11:00am at Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville with Rev. Jeff Mayfield Officiating. Inurnment at a later date. Visitation will be held Thursday, February 14, 2013 from 10:00-11:00am at Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville.

Memorials may be made to Taylorville Christian Church 1124 N Webster St. Taylorville, IL 62568 or VFW Post 4495 515 W. Ave. Taylorville, IL 62568 or Taylorville Public Schools Foundation 512 W. Spresser St. Taylorville, IL 62568

Arrangements by Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville.

Sign on-line guest book at www.suttonmemorialhome.com.