Roy 'Sonny' Basler Jr.

Roy “Sonny” Basler Jr., 82, of Cobden, died Monday, Feb. 18, 2019, at his home. 

He was born on Jan. 9, 1937, in Cobden, the son of Roy Sr. and Frieda Lindsey Basler. 

He married the love of his life, Shirley Ruth Campbell in December of 1962 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Cobden. She preceded him in death on Nov. 14, 2018. Together they shared almost 56 years of marriage.

Sonny is survived by his daughter, Pam (Jim) Barr of Cobden; a son, Todd (Susan) Basler of Anna; four grandchildren, Adam and Ryan Barr, Clayton and Kaylee Basler; a sister, Anita (Cliff) Howell of Sparta; nieces and nephews; many other relatives and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Shirley Basler; and a brother, Donnie Basler.

Sonny was a devoted member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Cobden. He was a graduate of Cobden High School class of 1955 and later graduated from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. 

In 1959, he went to honorably serve his country in the U.S. Army for two years during the Korean War. 

He worked his career as an investigator for the Illinois Department of Agriculture until his retirement. 

Sonny was a member of the Knights of Columbus and a life member of Carroll P. Foster Post No. 3455 of the VFW in Anna. He was an avid gardener and St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan. 

Mass of Christian Burial was at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 22, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Cobden, with Father Uriel Salamanca officiating. 

Interment was in the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Cobden. Graveside military rites were conducted by Carroll P. Foster Post No. 3455 of the VFW in Anna and the Illinois National Guard military honor team of Marion. 

A prayer service was said at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21, at Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Cobden. 

Memorials can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to Hospice of Southern Illinois. 

To view the obituary and to leave online condolences for the family, visit www.rendlemanhilemanfh.com. 

Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Cobden was in charge of arrangements.