Edward D. "Eddie" Root's Obituary
Decatur-Edward D. Root, Sr., 88, of Decatur, passed away at 7:15 a.m. Friday, May 31, 2013 in St. Mary's Hospital.
He was born March 27, 1925 in Sadorus, Illinois, the son of Herbert and Essel Cecil (Humphrey) Root. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during W.W. II. He received his BA from Millikin University. He was previously employed as a teacher and coach with the Lovington School District. He was a member of the American Legion Post #105, VFW Post #99, and Millikin Alumni Association. He was a member of the Decatur High School 1942 basketball team and broke the single game scoring record in the state tournament at Champaign. He enjoyed playing golf, the Chicago Cubs, his ranger duties at Nelson Golf Course, and his membership to the Dolphin Golf Boat. He married Jeanne (Drum) Grant September 15, 1950 in Decatur. She preceded him in death September 8, 1994. They shared over forty-four years together.
He leaves behind his sons Edward Root, Jr. and wife Karen of Decatur and Russell Grant of Boulder Creek, California, daughters Linda Meece and husband John of Jacksonville and Jade Alvarez and husband Larry of Phoenix, Arizona, ten grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren, and a great-great-grandson.
He was reunited in Heaven with his parents, wife, three brothers, two sisters, and a great-granddaughter.
The family would like to give a special thanks to Dr. Jatoi and his staff, and the nurses and staff at Hickory Point Christian Village, and St. Mary's Hospital for all of their loving care.
Services to celebrate Eddie's life will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 4, 2013 at Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Monday, June 3, 2013 at the funeral home. Entombment with military honors will be at the Star of Hope Mausoleum in Graceland Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Central Illinois Honor Flight, 712 E. Jefferson Effingham, IL, 62401.
The family of Edward D. Root, Sr. is being served by the Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home, 2091 N. Oakland Ave. Decatur, IL. Please view the online obituary, send condolences, and share memories at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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