Robert Bedwell

BRIGHTON, Ill. -- Robert Bedwell, 76, of Brighton, formerly of Olive Branch, Ill., died Monday, Dec. 26, 2005, at St. Anthony's Medical Center in St. Louis.

He was born Aug. 3, 1929, in Olive Branch, son of Robert Henry and Thelma Ann Tupper Bedwell. He and Helen Childers were married Oct. 26, 1954, in Edwardsville, Ill.

Bedwell was an over-the-road truck driver.

He served in the U.S. Army.

Survivors include his wife; a son, Danny Bedwell of Columbus, Miss.; five daughters, Brenda Kirkpatrick of Creal Springs, Ill., Joy Briggs of Jacksonville, Fla., Mary Wells and Sharon Shluter of Marion, Ill., Melena Jockisch of Godfrey, Ill.; 18 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday at Jonesboro Cemetery, with Don Schluter officiating.

Hileman Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.