Bushnell, Ralph William

Ralph W. Bushnell, 76, of Gerlaw, died Sunday, November 02, 2014, at OSF Holy Family Medical Center, Monmouth.

He was born November 28, 1937 at Abingdon, Illinois, the son of Ralph William, Sr. and Mary Doris (Stegall) Bushnell. He was raised and educated in rural Alexis until the age of twelve and then moved to Hampton, Illinois.

Ralph married May Ann Slattery on February 11, 2005 at Gerlaw, and she survives.

He served for two years in the U.S. Army and then for twenty years in the U. S. Air Force and then worked for the Department of the Navy, retiring in 1993. He then farmed in the Gerlaw area. He loved to repair equipment.

He was a lifetime member of the J.W. Clendinin V.F.W. Post 2301 and the National Rifle Association.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Mary Ann of Gerlaw, four sons, Michael (Robin) Bushnell of Alexis, Brian (Donna) Bushnell of Alexis, James (Stephanie) Sparkman of Nevada and Thomas (Karen) Sparkman of Monmouth, 11 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, one sister, Patricia J. Bushnell of Galesburg and one brother, Bob Bushnell of Alexis, along with nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Cremation has been accorded. A memorial service and military honors will be held 1:30 P.M. Thursday, November 6,2014 at the J.W. Clendinin V.F.W. Post 2301, Monmouth, followed by a gathering of family and friends at the V.F.W. Memorials may be left for Hearttland Service Dogs or the Gerlaw Christian Church. Hoover-Hall Memorial Chapel, Monmouth, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left at hooverhall.com

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