R. Leo Verble

CAIRO, Ill. -- R. Leo Verble, 84, of Cairo passed away at 1:38 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, 2018, at his home.

Leo was born Jan. 26, 1934, in Pulaski, Illinois, to the late Henry E. and Minnie Modglin Verble. On Dec. 19, 1953, he married Barbara Ann Grable. She preceded him in death in May 2010.

He graduated from Southern Illinois University, and later graduated with his master's degree from Southeast Missouri State University. Leo served 40-plus years in the school system, where he was an industrial-arts teacher, coach, principal and assistant superintendent of the district office, retiring in 1996. He was a member of Tigert Memorial United Methodist Church in Cairo.

In addition to his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by his son-in-law, DeWayne Bryant.

Survivors include his son, Tim (Jane) Verble of St. Charles, Missouri; a daughter, Debra Bryant of Cape Girardeau; a grandson, Steven (Rachel) Verble; and a great-grandson, Sammy Henry Verble.

Friends may call from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday at Jones Funeral Home in Villa Ridge, Illinois, where funeral services will follow at 1 p.m., with Pastor Doug Atkins officiating. Interment will follow in Green Lawn Memorial Gardens in Villa Ridge.

Memorials can be made to Tigert Memorial United Methodist Church in Cairo or to the American Diabetes Association.

To leave online condolences, visit www.jones-funeral.com.