Roy F. Block

SIDNEY — Roy F. Block, 90, of Sidney died Friday (Sept. 7, 2018) at OSF Heart of Mary Medical Center, Urbana.

Roy was born Aug. 17, 1928, to Ester and Alta Block. He graduated from Longview High School in 1946. In 1950, he married Joan McFall, who survives. Also surviving are three sons, David (Carol) Block of Champaign, Daniel (Marcia) Block of Urbana and Darrell (Cindy) Block of Tolono; six grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and two nieces. 

He worked at the University of Illinois sheep barns until 1952 when he entered the United States Air Force and served as a staff sergeant until 1955. He served at Frances E. Warren AFB in Cheyenne, Wyo.; March AFB in Riverside, Calif.; Sturgate AFB in Gainesbrough, England; and Offutt AFB in Omaha, Neb. While stationed in England, he was able to tour England, Scotland and Germany and see the rehearsal for Queen Elizabeth’s coronation.

After his military career, he rejoined the UI sheep barns as a herdsman foreman until he retired. During his time at the UI and after, he also worked for Freese Funeral Home in Sidney and then as a driver for Renner-Wikoff Funeral Home in Urbana. Roy also farmed south of Urbana.

Roy was a member of Sidney United Church. He was also a member of the Sidney Masonic Lodge, an honorary member at the Tolono Masonic Lodge and the Consistory in Danville.

Roy was an avid Illini basketball fan and attended all home games for 62 years, only missing 10 of those games. He didn’t miss any of the home games during Lou Henson’s tenure at Illinois. He also enjoyed watching the St. Louis Cardinals and fishing at the family pond.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Carl Richard Block and Howard Estor Block.

Memorials may be made to the Sidney Fire Department or Homer American Legion.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2018, at Sidney United Church with the Rev. Mike Picklesimer officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Sidney, with military rites being accorded. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday at the church with masonic rites at 7 p.m. Freese Funeral Home, Sidney, is handling arrangements