Robert Emmett Trench

MARION - Robert Emmett Trench, 93, Marion, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, at Villas of Hollybrook in Herrin.

He was born Nov. 6, 1932, in Chicago, to John and Anna Durkin Trench, natives of Ireland. He married Cheryl R. Nofsinger on Sept. 4, 2004, in Marion. She survives in Marion.

Bob graduated from Gage High School in Chicago in 1950. He joined the U.S. Air Force in March 1951, serving as an air policeman until his honorable discharge in March 1955. He then joined the Chicago Fire Department in 1956, where he rose to the rank of captain. During his CFD years, Bob worked as a painter part-time. He retired from the CFD in 1994, moved to Southern Illinois and fell in love with the region. He purchased a home on the Lake of Egypt in 1995.

Bob was a member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Herrin, and formerly attended Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Marion for many years. He was a member of the Herrin Elks Club and the American Legion. He enjoyed traveling, especially to his winter hiatus in Longboat Key, Florida. He followed sports of all kinds; his favorites were Chicago teams: The White Sox, Bulls, Chicago Bears and Blackhawks. He as lucky enough to have a seat at the World Series win for the White Sox in 2005 at U.S. Cellular Field.

Survivors include six children and their families, Tim and Cheryl Trench of Western Springs, Ed and Kathy McMahon of Lemont, Tom and Tiffany Trench of Homer Glen, Joe and Jean Rispoli of Orland Park, Joe and Tina Musolino of Lake of Egypt, and Amy and Elizabeth Trench of Chicago; along with 15 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Bob also leaves two nephews, Richard and Ginny Trench and Jim and Cathy Trench; and two step-daughters and their families, Angela and Jeff Place and April Rushing. Bob leaves a host of good friends, who brought him great joy and happiness throughout his life, both in Chicago and in Southern Illinois.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Irma Trench; his brother, Jack Trench; two sisters, Irene Basnar and Mary Taylor; an infant son, Robert Trench; and his sister-in-law, Violet Trench.

The family thanks Villas of Hollybrook and Residential Hospice for their loving care and concern for Bob.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, January 14. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church's gathering space, 316 W. Monroe St. in Herrin, followed by Mass at 11 a.m., with Mark D. Reyling officiating. Interment will be in Mt. Greenwood Cemetery in Chicago at a later date, following a service at Lawn Funeral Home in Burbank.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either the Ende, Menzer, Walsh & Quinn Retirees' Widows' and Children's Assistance Fund (EMWQ). Donors can send a check to EMWQ Fund; 20 S. Clark, Suite 300; Chicago, IL 60603. Or, donations may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. Donors can send a check to P. O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741. Envelopes will be available at the service.

Meredith Waddell Funeral Home, 2704 S. Park Ave. in Herrin, is in charge of arrangements.