Robert Eugene Sterchi, 93, of Olney, went home to meet his Lord on Thursday morning, October 11, 2012, at Richland Memorial Hospital in Olney. Funeral services at Summers-Kistler Funeral Home in Olney with Pastor Jeff Bent officiating. Burial in Crest Haven Memorial Park in rural Claremont with full military rites performed by Olney veterans organization.

Mr. Sterchi was born February 28, 1919, in Richland County, the son of Robert Sterchi Sr. and Jesse Scherer Sterchi. He married Floy Vivian Shan in the Old South Church in Boston, Mass., on July 25, 1942. They would have celebrated their 70th anniversary this past summer had Floy not preceded him in death on February 18th this year.

He proudly served in the Navy as Chief Petty Officer aboard the USS San Jacinto aircraft carrier in the Pacific fleet during World War II. After returning home from the war, he and his wife owned and operated Bob Sterchi Carpet and Tile for 63 years. Mr. Sterchi was involved in many local organizations, serving on the board or as an officer. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, the Ainad Shriners, holding a 32nd degree, and Richland Country Club. He was a 50-plus-year member of Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, IOOF and the Olney Elks #926. A lifetime member of the Methodist Church, he and his wife had attended Christian Church of Olney the last few years.

Mr. Sterchi is survived by his daughter, Sharon Lee Waggoner and husband, Dee, of Claremont; grandson, David Waggoner, of Claremont; great-grandson, Dalton Waggoner, of Claremont; great-grandson, Kody Waggoner, of Paris, Ill.; brothers, Elmer Sterchi and wife, Ande, of Olney, and Carl Sterchi, of Evansville, Ind.; brothers-in-law, Jerry Shan and wife, Marilyn, and Steve Shan and wife, Arletta, of Noble; sisters-in-law, Janet Miller and husband, Ray, of Robinson, and Carol Peters, of St. Paul, Minn.; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

 He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Jesse Sterchi; son, Russell "Sonny" Sterchi; wife, Floy; brother, Dale Sterchi; sister, Lula Williamsons sisters-in-law, Elaine Shan, Carmen Hogue and Betty McKnight; and brothers-in-law, Jimmy and John ShanHe will be sadly missed by family, dear friends and neighbors

Published in Olney Daily Mail (IL) -October 15, 2012