Robert J. Faries Sr, 81, of Dupo, died Sept. 21, 2013, at his residence.

He was born Aug. 5, 1932, in East St. Louis, son of the late Cyrus and Esther Faries (nee Byrum).

He was married to Virginia “Ginger” Faries (nee Bell) for 62 years; she survives him.

Mr. Faries was born at Christian Welfare Hospital in East St. Louis. He left school at the age of 16 to work at the National Stockyards, then he went on to work at Lewin Metals, later known as Cerro Copper & Brass, from March 1952 to February 1998, when he retired.

He enjoyed his motorcycles and working on cars. He was the ultimate “jack of all trades.” If he wasn’t fixing one of his own cars, or something at his home, he was working on someone else’s.

In 1965 he accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior and was baptized in 1966. He was a longtime member, Sunday school teacher and treasurer of the former Centreville Bible Church.

For many years he was also active as a coach in the Cahokia Khoury League.

He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Ginny; six children: Roberta (Tom) Zbinden, Bonnie (Tim) Knisch, Brenda (Roy) Peterson, Mike (Jaycee) Faries, Robert (Barb) Faries Jr. and Jim (Bev) Faries; 16 grandchildren: Dawn (Jamie), Lucas (Christina), Joe (Jen), Lindsay, Michael (Amy Reynolds), Konrad (Jessica), Rachel, Sterling, Kaytie, Robert III, Kayla, Kasara, Will, Karalee, Kevin and Noble; eight great-grandchildren; Carey, Samantha, Asher, Kara, Grace, Micah, Colton, Kaiden and Easton; along with dear nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters and brothers-in-law: Bonnie (Al) Madalino, Betty (Ted) Seper and June (Ralph) Sims; and brother Dick (Betty) Faries.

Visitation was Sept. 24, at Kurrus Funeral Home, Belleville.

Funeral services were Sept. 25, at the funeral home, Rev. Ken Clark officiating.

Interment followed at Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights.

Memorials may be made to the Dupo Fire and EMS Department.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.KurrusFH.com.