Roger L. Minton

Roger L. Minton, 89, of Delavan, passed away at 12:25 pm Friday, May 1, 2020 at his home.

He was born July 8, 1930 in Delavan to Olen Louis and Ada Lucille Meins Minton. He married LaVerne Nehmelman on October 6, 1956 at the First Presbyterian Church in Delavan, and she survives.

Also surviving are one son, Tom Minton of Hopedale; one daughter, Teresa Minton of Delavan;  one cousin, Eldon Dorsey of Delavan; brothers and sisters in law, Ralph (Donna) Nehmelman of Kouts, IN, Bob Nehmelman of Danvers, Lawrence (Dorene) Nehmelman of Delavan, Etta Nehmelman of Green Valley, Myra Nehmelman of East Peoria.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers and sisters in law, Don and Mary Jane Nehmelman, Ted (Jose) Nehmelman, Harold (Horsie) Nehmelman, Adolph “Jr” Nehmelman, Ray Nehmelman and Carol Nehmelman.

He worked at Caterpillar Inc. in East Peoria for 5 years and Illico Oil Company in Morton and Lincoln for 10 years. He owned and operated a gas station and an auto parts store in Delavan.

Roger served in the United States Army National Guard during the Korean War.

He was a volunteer fireman for Delavan Fire Department for 25 years,  a member of the Delavan American Legion Post 382, serving as commander for two terms, VFW Commander in Delavan for over 30 years, member of Tazewell County 40/8, member of the Tazewell County Veterans Assistance Program, Delavan Optimist Club, Delavan Township Trustee, Delavan Zoning Board,  Illinois Selective Service Board for 15 years, Grand Marshall of the 2014 Fall Festive, Delavan Masonic Lodge, where he served as Past Master.

He owned race cars in the early 1950’s and owned a race car with David Camp and raced in the area. He was a NASCAR fan, and enjoyed antiques, gardening, the outdoors and feeding the birds.

A private family graveside service will be at Prairie Rest Cemetery in Delavan. Pastor Dan Larimore will officiate. There will be no visitation. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Davis-Oswald Funeral Home in Delavan will handle the arrangements.

Memorials may be made to Delavan American Legion, Delavan Park District and mailed to Teresa Minton at P.O. Box 515, Delavan, IL 61734.

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