Rabon Gene Wyatt, 80 of London Mills, passed away at 10:14 p.m. Monday, November 2, 2020 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.
He was born on February 28, 1940 in Stewart, Tennessee, the son of Dalton Ray and Alma Delores (Barnes) Wyatt. After the death of his father, Rabon was raised by his mother and stepfather, Isaac George Laxson. He married Roberta “Bert” E. Cook Riley on December 23, 1982 at the Methodist Church in London Mills. She preceded him in death on February 4, 2017. He was also preceded in death by his parents and stepfather, his infant son, Rabon Gene Wyatt, Jr., two brothers, Vernon, and Lindon, one sister, Naomi, two stepsons, three step-grandchildren and one step-great-grandson.
Rabon is survived by one brother, Adron “Bud” (Joyce) Wyatt in state of Tennessee; one stepsister, Emma Webb; three half-sisters, Ruth Brody in state of Wyoming, Melvina Baker of Erin, Tennessee, and Kathy Rippy in state of Georgia; several nieces and nephews; several step-children, step-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren and step-great-great-grandchildren; and his beloved Dachshund, Daisy May.
He grew up in Tennessee and graduated from Houston County High School in Tennessee. He served in the Army during the Korean War. He was a member of the Harry E. Wiles American Legion Post #381 in Abingdon. He had lived in the Abingdon and London Mills areas most of his adult of his life. He worked for BNSF Railroad for over 30 years. He later owned and operated Spoon River Tire in London Mills. He was an avid stock car builder and raced under Web Promotions. His hobbies included hunting, and fishing, and he enjoyed supporting his great-granddaughter Felisha in Special Olympics.
As he requested, cremation will be accorded. The location of his memorial service has been changed to the Coal Creek Bible Church located at 11993 E. Coal Church Road, rural Fairview beginning at noon Saturday, November 7, 2020. Rev. Jacob Tourtillott will officiate. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Abingdon Chapel is assisting with arrangements.
Memorials may be made to Special Olympics. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.