Roger T. Horrell, 81, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 24, 2024, with his daughter by his side.
Roger Thomas Horrell was born September 3, 1942, in Alton, Illinois to Harold and Alice (Zerwas) Horrell. He grew up in Alton, Illinois, and attended Marquette Catholic High School. Upon graduation, Roger attended Parks College of Saint Louis University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautics, and a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. Entering the U.S. Air Force, Roger attended flight school, receiving his “wings” at graduation.
Roger proudly served in the United States Air Force as a transport and FAC pilot during the Vietnam War. He served his country for five years, earning the rank of Captain. While in the military, Roger was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Vietnam Service Medal.
Following his honorable discharge from the Air Force, Roger began his career with Western Airlines, later acquired by Delta Airlines, and became an Airline Captain. During his 33 years as a commercial pilot, Roger flew thousands of commercial flights transporting passengers across the United States safely to their destinations. Roger wrote and published a book called “Cyclone” during his retirement.
Roger will be missed by his daughter, Meredith L. (Tom Nims) Horrell; grandson, Dylan T. Nims; niece, Sara (David) Dahm; uncle, Dave Zerwas, and several cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister, Susan Stephan.
Cremation rites were accorded.
Visitation will be held 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm on Thursday, September 26, 2024 at Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Godfrey, IL. A memorial mass is scheduled 10:00 am on Friday, September 27, 2024, at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Alton, IL. Inurnment will follow at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Godfrey, IL.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in Roger’s honor can be sent to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa, TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) program, which helps spay and neuter feral cats. Roger loved cats!
Condolences and memories of Roger may be shared with his family in the tributes section of his memorial page and may be found at Elias, Kallal, and Schaaf
Thank you,
Meredith Horrell ( meredithhorrell@yahoo.com )