ROBERT MCELYEA

CHAFFEE, Mo. -- Robert E. McElyea, 89, formerly of Chaffee, Caney and Oran, Mo., died Thursday, Jan. 25, 2001, at Lexington Health Center in Orland Park, Ill.

He was born April 20, 1911, at Portageville, Mo., son of Samuel and Mattie McGee McElyea.

Prior to moving to Chicago in 1964, he was a long-time resident and farmer in the Oran, Caney and Chaffee area. He attended St. Thomas Apostle Catholic Church in Chicago.

He and Matlean Lawson were married Sept. 26, 1936. She died Aug. 27, 1982.

He also was preceded in death by a son, a daughter and a brother.

Survivors include two sons, Steven McElyea of Chicago and Greg McElyea of Mokena, Ill.; two daughters, Mary Dumey and Virgie Koeppel of Jackson, Mo.; two sisters, Anne Fodge of Edwardsville, Ill., and Fannie Coulliard of San Diego, Calif.; nine grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. today at McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson. Parish prayers will be recited at 7:30 p.m.

Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Jackson. Msgr. Edward Eftink will officiate. Burial will be in Russell Heights Cemetery.