Herrin- Orwin Stotlar, 92, of Herrin, passed away at 6:05 PM, Monday, February 29, 2016 at Herrin Hospital.
Robert Orwin Stotlar was born in Herrin on December 28, 1923, the son of Robert and Eva (Orwin) Stotlar. He married Lorraine L. Gamber at the Herrin First Christian Church on October 12, 1946. Together they shared sixty-eight wonderful years of marriage, until her passing on December 5, 2014.
After graduating from Herrin High School, Orwin attended the University of Illinois, before enlisting in the United States Army and courageously serving his country during World War II. Upon entering the Army he was immediately sent to the University of Oregon to study engineering and ended up serving in the 11th Armored Tank Division under General Patton. In late 1944, the division landed in Normandy and were sent to Belgium where they fought in the Battle of the Bulge. They spearheaded their way through Germany and southward into Austria crossing the Regen River and saw their final resistance near the city of Linz. During the war, Orwin’s talent with the trumpet allowed him to perform at the Hollywood Canteen – he performed with Kay Kyser’s band and alongside celebrities such as Bob Hope, Eddie Cantor, Lana Turner and the Rockettes. At the end of the war, he was invited to be a part of General Mark Clark’s private band in Vienna, Austria. While serving, he received many decorations including the overseas service bars, the American Campaign Medal, the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with three bronze battle stars, the Good Conduct Medal, the World War II Victory Medal and the Meritorious Unit Award.
Once honorably discharged on February 3, 1946, he returned home and worked with his father at Bob Stotlar Lumber Company in Herrin. Orwin eventually took over and owned the business in a career that spanned over fifty years. He was civically active, having served as past president of the Herrin Junior Chamber, was a Rotarian, member of the Herrin Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis, and Herrin Hospital board. He was a member of the Southern Illinois KnotHolers, Illinois Lumber and Materials Dealers, Herrin American Legion and VFW Post (he formerly served on the military honors ritual team), the SI Seniors Golfers and the Franklin County Country Club, where he won numerous club championships.
Golfing was his passion. He was a championship level golfer and as a result was able to play on numerous courses around the world. He and Lorraine always enjoyed traveling annually to Biloxi, MS with their close group of friends. Orwin also enjoyed playing music and was a member of Chick Nesler’s City Band. They would often play at local parks and area hospitals.
Orwin was an active member of Herrin First Christian Church for 50 years. He was a deacon, choir member and Sunday school teacher. Recently, he attended worship services at Southern Illinois Worship Center in Herrin. He will be dearly missed by his many family members, close friends and all those who knew and loved him.
Survivors include-
Daughter- Pamela D. Camarato of Herrin
Daughter- Cynthia K. (Doug) Milby of Nashville, TN
Five Grandchildren- Matthew (Stephanie) Camarato of Herrin
Andrew (Yavonne) Camarato of Herrin
Tony (Abby Peart) Camarato of Hinsdale
Ryan Milby of Nashville, TN
Evan (Alanna) Milby of Carterville
Seven Great Grandchildren
Nicholas, August, Maria, and Sophia Camarato of Herrin
Hannah and Jackson Camarato of Herrin
Addison Milby of Nashville, TN
Brother- Sam (Margie) Stotlar of Marion
Several Nieces and Nephews and great nieces and nephews
Many close friends
He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife- Lorraine.
The funeral service will be held at 3:00 PM, Saturday, March 5, 2016 at Southern Illinois Worship Center/124 Lou Ann Drive/ in Herrin. Pastor Jason McKinnies will officiate. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Marion. Military rites will be performed at graveside by the Herrin American Legion and VFW Posts with assistance from the Illinois National Guard. Visitation will be from 1:00 PM until time of service, Saturday, at Southern Illinois Worship Center in Herrin. Funeral arrangements were made through Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin.
For those who prefer, memorial donations may be made to the Southern Illinois Worship Center Building Fund. Envelopes will be available at services and also accepted at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home; 201 S. 13th Street; Herrin, IL 62948.