Robert Emmett Ransom, age 84, born October 17, 1923 in St. Louis, passed away Sunday morning, November 25, 2007, following a brief stay at Rosewood Care Center, Swansea, Ill.

Mr. Ransom had worked as an electrical engineer and designer at General Elevator Engineering Co. in St. Louis and Eagle Range & Manufacturing in Belleville before he began his lengthy career as a Civil Service Contract Specialist. He moved to O'Fallon in 1954 from Highland. He was a parishioner at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, O'Fallon. He was a decorated veteran of the US Army, having been awarded the Purple Heart for his service in the European Theater during World War II. Mr. Ransom was Past Commander of O'Fallon VFW Post 805. His hobbies included reading, gardening, and brewing his homemade beer and making his own wine. He was a kind and loving father and grandfather and will be missed by his family.

Mr. Ransom was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Jane (nee Walter) Ransom, whom he married June 11, 1949 and who passed away Sept. 24, 2000; his parents, Charles Emmett & Anna (nee Daugherty) Ransom; and his brother Lawrence Ransom.

Memorial Donations may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois, in appreciation for the care provided to Mr. Ransom's late wife, Betty.

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He is survived by his children Kathryn Wilcoxson of Freeburg, IL, Brian (Deborah) Ransom of Belleville, Julia (Patrick) McHugh of Belleville, and Jeanette (Steven) McCormick of Collinsville; grandchildren Elizabeth Shaeffer of New Athens, Brett (Margarett) Wolf of Fenton, MO, Sean (Jacquette) Ransom of Belleville, Erin (Geoff) Dial of Cape Girardeau, MO, Patrick McHugh, Ryan McHugh, Katie McHugh, and Michael McHugh, all of Belleville; great grandchildren Raven, Callista, Tynan, and Kamren. He is also survived by his brother Charles (Peggy) Ransom of St. Peters, MO.

Visitation: There will be no visitation.

Funeral Service: Private Graveside services will be held Tuesday, November 27, 2007 at the O'Fallon City Cemetery, O'Fallon, IL; with Monsignor William Hitpas officiating.