Robert E. Harrell, 86 of Pekin, IL, passed away on January 16, 2024, at Carle Health Methodist Hospital in Peoria, IL. He was born on December 21, 1937, in Palmer, IL, to the late Eldo and Mary Emily (Steck) Harrell.
Bob graduated from Taylorville High School in 1956. He served in the Army Reserves for six years from 1957 until 1963. He graduated from the Gradwohl School of Research and Laboratory Techniques in 1961 and later graduated from Radiology school. He lived and worked in Oklahoma for several years before moving back to Pekin where he resided for the rest of his life. He worked at St. Francis Hospital in Peoria and at Pekin Hospital in the Radiology departments, before transitioning to the Nuclear Medicine department in Pekin for 28 years before he retired in 2003. He also was an EMT and worked for an ambulance service for 20 years. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Pekin and was proudly baptized in 2012.
Bob enjoyed making model ships, reading, antiques and genealogy. He had a helpful and giving heart and was known for his kindness to everyone.
He is survived by his nieces: Theresa Stade of Divernon, IL; Susie (Steve) Gragert of Rochester, IL; nephews: Butch (Sally Badman) Fulk of Edinburg, IL; Jeff (Jean) Weitekamp of Morrisonville, IL; John (Laurie) Nolan of Carlinville, IL; Joe (Teresa) Nolan of Taylorville, IL; and Mike Nolan of Taylorville, IL; as well as many great nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents: Eldo and Emily Harrell; sisters: Mary Nolan; Janet Fulk-Nolan; Bev Weitekamp; partner: Paul Moss; niece: Mary Elizabeth “Beth” Nolan; and two brothers-in-law: Hallie Fulk and Larry Nolan.
As per Bob’s wishes, cremation rites have been accorded and a service will be held Thursday February 15, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. in Springfield, IL, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A visitation will take place from 9:30-10:30 a.m. prior to the service. Burial will be in Taylorville at Oak Hill Cemetery following the service.
Sutton Memorial Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
