Roy James McCorkle

Roy McCorkle, 82, of Mt. Vernon, Illinois, passed away on December 4, 2025 at Meridian Village in Glen Carbon, Illinois. He was born on June 16, 1943 in Kankakee, Illinois to the late James and H. Marjorie McCorkle. Roy married Jane (Clark) McCorkle on December 17, 1966. They were blessed with nearly 59 years of marriage.

In addition to his beloved wife, Roy is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Ryan and Kristine McCorkle, of Wentzville, Missouri; two daughters and sons-in-law, Laura and Chris Woolverton, of Troy, Illinois and Sarah and Mark Mitchell of San Jose, California; nine grandchildren, Colin McCorkle, Madeline McCorkle, Kaleb Woolverton, Gavin Woolverton, Gabe Woolverton, Lauren Eddings (Jacob), Taylor Bieneman (Larry), Gwendolyn Mitchell and Katherine Mitchell; one great-grandchild, Chloe Eddings; one sister-in-law, Jeanette Clark; one nephew, Tim McCorkle; two nieces, Julie Hoffman and Jessica Rettle; and his pet, Charlie Brown.

In addition to his parents, Roy was preceded in death by his brother.

Roy graduated from Manteno High School in Manteno, Illinois and went on to earn his Bachelor Degree in Political Science from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois.

He proudly served his country as Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Air Force. While in the Air Force, Roy received many awards including Expert Weapon Controller. He was a Vietnam War Veteran and served as Crew leader while stationed in Thailand during the Vietnam War and provided intelligence in the investigation of DB Cooper.

After his time in the military, Roy worked as a teacher at Big Muddy River Correctional Center in Ina, Illinois. He was a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. He was also a member of Arnold Air Society; Lions Club; and Ainad Shriner of Southern Illinois.

In his spare time, Roy enjoyed snow skiing; scuba diving; completing project and serving at church; building custom furniture with friends; traveling the world; and spending time with his friends and family. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

A Visitation will be held Saturday, December 13, 2025 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Newell Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon. A Funeral Service will begin at 11:00 am with Reverend Victor Long officiating. Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Mt. Vernon. Full Military Honors will be conducted at the cemetery by the American Legion Post #141. Memorials may be made in Roy's honor to the Wounded Warrior Project.