Rodney Allen Crist

Rodney Allen Crist, 75, of Galesburg, died on Saturday, May 21, 2016, 10:26 AM at Marigold Rehabilitation and Health Care Center, Galesburg Rodney was born June 5, 1940 in Peoria. He is the son of William Allen and Adelle Marie (Christ) Crist. He married Sheila L. Feely in September 2, 1972 at the United Methodist Church, Galesburg. He is survived by the love of his life, Sheila; two sons, Dennis Crist of Galesburg, and Dane Crist of Bettendorf, IA; a daughter, Tricia White of Oneida; a sister, Karen (David) Sayre of Florida; his six grandchildren, Ethan, Payton, and Charlie Crist all of Galesburg, Tanner White of Oahu, Megan Burns and Jadin White both of Galesburg; and two great-grandchildren, Lorenza Burns and Taylir Trulson both of Galesburg. He was preceded in death by his parents. Rodney graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Knox College, and later obtained his AAS in computers from Carl Sandburg College. A “Jack of all Trades,” Rodney worked for Sears, WIU, Naeir, the Mental Health Center, and finally as an Insurance agent for Combined Insurance before retiring. He served in the US Army as a clerk. Rodney was a troop leader for the Boy Scouts of America, Troop #220. He enjoyed gardening, mowing the yard and taking care of his pets. Rodney was also interested in genealogy and was a member of the Knox County Genealogical Society. He loved spending time with his family and was often told he had the “Gift of Gab” as he was always telling some sort of corny joke or story. A private family graveside service will be held at Glendale Cemetery, Washington. Military rites will be conducted. Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory are in charge of arrangements. Memorials in Rodney’s honor may be donated to the Boy Scouts of America, Troop #220 Knoxville. Expressions of sympathy may be left for the family at www.watsonthomas.com.