Robert Earl Drane Sr.

DECATUR - Born in Decatur, Illinois on July 29, 1924, Robert became the first and only child of Mr. Edward Drane and Margaret Rodgers-Drane. Through his years growing up, Robert had a love of sports, with basketball and football being his favorites. He was a popular teen, known for his singing and dancing ability. Robert often sang at his home church of Trinity CME. Robert met the love of his life at the ripe young age of 15. His childhood sweetheart Elaine Kinnison, only 12. The two began a relationship that led to marriage on July 12, 1943. Through that 65 year union, the couple became the proud parents of three children: Robert Earl Drane, Jr.-deceased (Rita), Linda Stringer (Johnnie) and Janis Pritts (Jeffrey); six grand-children, Andrea Moore, Ronald Drane (Amy), Renee Malone (Kevin), Dylan Pritts (Kristin), Alinda. Camille Stringer (special friend, Glenn King), Ryan Pritts (Sarah); five great-grandchildren, Dominique Malone, Amaya Johnson, Caleb Drane, Kevin "KJ" Malone, Olivia Drane; and a host of nieces and nephews. During adulthood, Robert worked at Decatur Signal Depot until its closing. He then began a 20 year tenure at Caterpillar Tractor Company where he served as a Line Supervisor until taking early retirement in 1983. During his spare time, Robert enjoyed fishing, reading and spending time with loved ones. He especially enjoyed recent family reunions to locations as far away as Los Angeles, May Day fests in Decatur and various family get-togethers. Robert spent a lifetime loving his family, most importantly, his wife Elaine. After a long battle with pneumonia, Robert succumbed to his illnesses and was called home to glory on Tuesday, September 16, 2008 with his wife and children at his bedside. Celebration of Life Services will be 12:00 Noon Saturday, September 20, 2008 at Life Changer's Church, 1305 E. Prairie Street, with Bishop G.E. Livingston officiating. Visitation will be 6-8pm Friday, September 19, 2008 in Walker Funeral Service & Chapel. Burial will be held in Graceland Cemetery. Please express your condolences to the family of Robert E. Drane, Sr. by visiting www.walkerfs.com. Professional Services provided by Walker Funeral Service & Chapel. Obituary written by family members. Online guest book at www.legacy.com/herald-review/Obituaries.asp