Virgil Roy Cline, II, TSgt, USAF, retired, age 72, of Belleville, born August 19, 1942 in Oklahoma City, Okla., died Thursday, November 27, 2014 at Memorial Hospital, Belleville, surrounded by his children.

A long-time avid fan of the Dallas Cowboys, Virgil was a good friend to many, a devoted dad and loving "Papa" to his grandchildren. Virgil moved often with his family as a child, spending most of his formative years in Wisconsin. He attended Michigan State University briefly before enlisting in the US Air Force. He was a Vietnam War era veteran, serving 23 years before his retirement. He then worked for the next 22 years with the US Dept of Agriculture, based in St. Louis.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mercedes, on November 12, 2000; and his parents Virgil R. Cline and Elizabeth Anna, nee Blackburn, Cline.

Surviving are his four children Julie (Frank) Rose, Tony (Jeanette) Cline, Patrick (Stephanie Bernaiche) Cline, and Ericka (Brian) Battocletti; his much-loved grandchildren Coleby, Ciji, Sydney, Patrick II, Alyssa, Sofia, Amanda, Taylor, Tristan,and Julian. Also surviving are his siblings Stuart, Geoffrey, Mark, Pamela Malloy, Penny Slouka, and Rusty.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to American Lung Association or Wounded Warrior and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Visitation: Friends may call from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m., Thursday, December 4, 2014 at Wolfersberger Funeral Home, O'Fallon.

Funeral: 10:30 a.m., Friday, December 5, 2014 at the funeral home with Stuart Cline and Mark Cline officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, Mo.