Robert Cearlock's Obituary
Robert L. “Bob” Cearlock, 90, of Vandalia, IL, passed away peacefully Wednesday, January 08, 2025 at his home, surrounded by family.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, January 17, 2025 at the First United Methodist Church, Vandalia with rev. Joe Lawson and Pastor Curtis Flake officiating. Interment will follow at Fairlawn Cemetery, Vandalia. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 9:00-11:00 AM, Friday, at the church. In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation. Online condolences can be expressed at www.hohltandfilefh.com.
Robert Lee Cearlock was born July 27, 1934 in Vandalia, IL, the son of John Franklin and Opal Irene (Elder) Cearlock. He married the love of his life, Nelda Mae Anderson, on May 21, 1953 in San Antonio, TX. Together, they had three daughters and celebrated 72 years of marriage.
At the age of 12, Bob started working alongside his three brothers in his father, John Cearlock's, Grocery and Feed Store. In 1955, he went to work at Tri-City Grocery Store in Vandalia and was the manager until 1972, when he then built Bob's IGA. The store was sold in 1985 and later known as Harmon's IGA. In 1986, Mr. Cearlock founded RC Foods in Greenville, and eventually sold the store in 1992.
Mr. Cearlock had several business interests outside of the grocery field. In 1964 he opened the first coin operated car wash in Vandalia, the Ram-Jet. He started the Fayette County Shopper in 1978 and sold the shopper to The Leader-Union in 1981. He also owned and operated the Jefferson Street Laundry and the Rainbow Laundry and Car Wash.
A long history in a family-owned business gave Bob an appreciation for service and responsibility to the community. Bob was a past president of the Vandalia Retail Merchants Association, the Chamber of Commerce, the Vandalia Lions Club, and the Board of Directors at First National Bank. He was also a member of the First United Methodist Church and past member of the Fayette County Hospital District Board and Vandalia Moose Lodge #1447.
After reducing his work schedule, Bob had much more time to enjoy his hobbies such as golfing, fishing, and traveling. He was a loving husband, devoted father, and grandfather and was sure to make time for family outings and get togethers.
Mr. Cearlock is survived by his wife Nelda Cearlock of Vandalia; daughter, Rhonda Cearlock of Vandalia; daughter, Nancy Cearlock of St. Peters, MO; daughter, Sue and husband Don Schofield of Franklin, TN; sisters, Joan Siebert of Vandalia and Judy Dothager of East Peoria; grandchildren, Leah and husband Ryan Griesenauer of Hendersonville, TN and Elizabeth and husband Jesse Woodall of Knoxville, TN; and a great-grandson, Bennett Griesenauer of Hendersonville, TN.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Dean, Gene and DeWayne Cearlock; and sisters, Dorris Cearlock and Kay Kistler.
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