Robert Meredith

Robert James Meredith, age 82, of Elburn, IL, passed away peacefully late Wednesday, February 23, 2005, at Provena Pine View Care Center, St. Charles, where he had recently become a patient. Having finished his work, Bob made the decision to discontinue his dialysis and laying down his tools, he quietly and peacefully went Home.He was born April 19, 1922, in Aurora, IL, the son of Leslie Thomas and Winnafred Mae (Reid) Meredith. His family made their home in the house on the hill just south of Smith Rd., the same house where Bob lived all of his life. He attended school at the Blackberry Center 105 Country School on Green Road and graduated from Elburn Community High School with the class of 1940. Following graduation, he attended the University of Illinois and earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Degree which he received in the fall of 1943. Bob was enrolled in R.O.T.C. while in college as Cadette 1st. Lt. in the Corp of Engineers. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on June 22, 1942 and began active duty on July 30, 1943. In the midst of WW II, Bob served in the U.S. Army, Company A, 11th Infantry, 5th Division and held the highest grade of Sgt. He fought in the European Theater including the battle of the Bulge where he was wounded in January of 1945. Bob received the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart and after a time of recovery in Denver, he received an Honorable Medical Discharge on August 17, 1945, and returned home to Elburn.Upon returning home, Bob worked at General Electric for a time, and as a mechanical engineer for several companies, eventually working at Teledyne Pines in Aurora for 20 years until his retirement in 1971. His hobby was his machine shop at home where he spent untold hours fixing and inventing. He was very proud of the fact that he held two patents for his inventions. Bob loved to relate the events and times of his life and everyone who knew him was familiar with his ability to "talk" about anything. He was a forthright and principled man.Bob had a group of loyal and committed friends who enjoyed sitting in Bob’s shop and passing the time of day. As long as there was someone to listen, Bob could talk. In the last years, these friends filled Bob’s days and many a lonely hour.He was a active and devoted member of the Elburn American Legion Post #630 for nearly 60 years. During the years when the American Legion hosted Bingo night Bob served as the caller. He is survived by two brothers, Leslie (Sharleen) Meredith of Marion, IL and Percy (Yvonne) Meredith of Elburn, IL; seven nieces and nephews: Greg (Linda) Meredith of Carbondale, IL, Linda (Dan) Long of Maple Park, IL, Gail (Randy) Jones of Marion, IL and Lori (Lynn) Martin of Evansville, IN, Sue (John) Younker of Schaumberg, IL, Lynn Meredith of Cincinnati, OH and Curt (Beth) Meredith of Elburn, IL; 14 great nieces and nephews and 5 great grand nieces and nephews, as well as a community of friends.

Visitation will be held Saturday, February 26, 2005, from 4-8pm at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL. His funeral service will be held at 2pm Sunday afternoon, at the funeral home with Rev. Katherine Lawes,Pastor of The Community Congregational Church of Elburn will officiate. Interment will follow at Blackberry Cemetery, Elburn. All are invited to return to the Elburn American Legion Hall for coffee and dessert following the service

Memorials in his name may be made to the Elburn American Legion and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, IL 60119.