Obituary of robert D. vancil

Robert D. Vancil, 93, of Niceville, Florida passed away on Monday, March 22, 2021. Robert was born to Leslie R. Vancil and Helen M. Vancil on January 16, 1928 in Murphysboro, Illinois. He is survived by his wife of 73+ years, Marybelle Vancil: daughter, Marcella Lee Vancil, son-in-law Scott Stewart and grandson, Cameron Scott Stewart. Robert was preceded in death by his parents, and grand parents, Maude and Isaac Vancil, and Rose Alice and Fred Cross. At the age of 11, Robert spent off and on three years in the Shriner's Children Hospital in St. Louis, MO. due to polio. Robert finished high school at Murphysboro High School where he graduated Valedictorian while working an eight hour shift at a local grocery store. Robert went on to graduate from Shurtleff College with a BA degree and A Bachelor of Divinity and Masters in Sacred Theology From Andover Newton Theological School in Newton Centre, Massachusetts in 1954. Robert served as Baptist Student Foundation Director with Illinois State and Wesleyan Universities. Robert went on to take classes at the University of Chicago and then became the Parent/Teacher Coordinator. Robert taught in the Tri-Valley School system after a move back to normal, Illinois. Robert moved on to work for the city of Bloomington in the area of City Development. Robert came up with the idea to pay-as-you-go plan with cities and developers using a tool called Tax Increment Financing. It became his mission to work with developers to help struggling cities in Illinois until his full retirement at the age of 88. In 2016, Robert and his wife moved to Florida to be near their daughter and her family. Robert was know for his great sense of humor, his love of life, being a catamaran sailor, and his passion for all people. His purpose in life was to serve and minister to others. Roberts Memorial Services will held at the Bluewater Community Church located at 4580 Range Rd. Niceville, Fl. on June 19, 2021. at 11:00 am . Officiating will be Dr. Dean Allen. Those attending are invited to share a meal at the home of Marcy Vancil and Scott Stewart at 1008 Lakeway Dr. in Niceville following the service. In Robert's memory you may make donations to the Parkinson Foundation at 1359 Broadway , Unit 1509 New York, NY 10018 or to the Shriner's Hospital for Children at 4400 clayton Ave., St. Louis MO 63110.