Roger Allen Scannell, 81, of Galesburg, Illinois died at 3:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 5, 2023 at Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House, Bettendorf, Iowa.
Roger was born May 27, 1941 in Galesburg, the son of Iva E. (Frakes) Grice. He cherished his childhood years spent with his grandparents Andy and Dollie Frakes,as well as his mother and stepfather Claire Grice. Roger graduated from Galesburg High School and went to work for the Burlington Northern Railroad. Roger retired after 42 years. Over the years, Roger also owned and operated R.A. Scannell Enterprises.
Roger married Sandrae Kay Lashbrook on November 26, 1959 in Galesburg. She preceded him in death on August 9, 2013. Roger is survived by one daughter, Tamara (Jim) Guest of Bettendorf, Iowa; five grandchildren, Tracy (Nate) Kennis, Joshua Scannell, Megan Guest, James “Jimmy” Guest, and Zachary Guest; and four great grandchildren, Abigail (Timothy) Reese, Samuel Henderson, Kasia Kennis, and McKenzie Kennis. Roger is also survived by one brother, Andy (Patty) Grice of Galesburg; and one sister, Becky (Tom) Legge of Galesburg; and his companion of several years, Delores Young of Galesburg. Along with his wife, Roger was preceded in death by his father,Harry Scannell; his mother and stepfather, Iva and Claire Grice; and one son, Roger Todd Scannell.
Roger enjoyed going out to eat, having never met a stranger, he often ran into someone he knew. Being a great communicator, Roger could keep your attention sharing one of his many stories, usually about the Railroad or the Bulls that got loose and it was up to him to catch. Roger often shared fond memories of his time growing up on his grandma and grandpa Frakes farm. He enjoyed watching television, especially Old Westerns, Wheel of Fortune, and Jeopardy. He loved watching the squirrels outside and his dog Tory held a very special place in his heart.
Visitation will be 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Funeral services will follow at 1 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow at East Linwood Cemetery, Galesburg. Memorial contributions may be made to the ALS Foundation or the Knox County Humane Society. The family would like to thank the workers of Caring Seniors in Galesburg who helped Roger stay in his home, Nurse Ruth Ann from OSF Hospice, and the staff at Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House for their loving care in the short time Roger was there. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
