Robert Neil Henkel, 84, of Arthur died Wednesday (Feb. 28, 2018) at the Arthur Home.

He was born Feb. 11, 1934, a son of Walter and Barbara Henkel. He married Marilyn Joyce Musick on Aug. 3, 1963. She survives.

Neil is also survived by his daughter Jodi (Jeff) Heckel, his son Rob (Kathy Merrill) Henkel, and his granddaughter Audrey. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Deane, and his sister, Margaret Fletcher.

Neil grew up in Atwood and graduated from Atwood High School in 1952. He graduated from Eastern Illinois University in 1956 with a degree in physics and math. He served two years in the U.S. Army, then went to the Missouri School of Mines at Rolla, Mo., where he earned a degree in mechanical engineering. He was a licensed professional engineer.

He worked his entire career -- 31 years -- at what was then known as US Industrial Chemicals (later Quantum Chemical Corp.) in Tuscola, becoming manager of the Technical Service Lab. He traveled to New York City, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany and Denmark for work.

Neil loved traveling, and he had a tent camper that he used to take his young family camping. He also bought a sailing dinghy and a book on sailing and taught himself to sail, then graduated to a daysailer and then a cabin boat.

He retired in 1991 at age 57, and he and Marilyn spent winters in Arizona for 12 years, where he hiked throughout the Phoenix area, including Tonto National Forest. He also enjoyed golfing. He and Marilyn traveled all over the U.S. and to Canada in their motorhome.

Neil was a runner for more than 30 years. He ran many road races at distances from the 5K to the half marathon, as well as three Chicago Marathons. He also enjoyed biking and he rode the Amish Country Tour in the countryside around Arthur and other area bike rides.

As a young man, he loved cars. He often went to see the Indianapolis 500, and early in his marriage he drove a silver two-seater 1957 Thunderbird convertible.

He was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity, the Technical Association of Pulp and Paper Industries, the Kaskaskia Country Club and the Arthur United Methodist Church, and he served on the Arthur School Board.

Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Monday, March 5, 2018 at Shrader Funeral Home, 431 S. Vine St., Arthur. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 6, 2018 at the Arthur United Methodist Church, 128 E. Illinois St., Arthur, with Rev. Bruce Weiman officiating. Burial will follow in the Mackville Cemetery, Atwood.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Arthur United Methodist Church building fund, the Kickapoo Rail Trail, or a charity of the donor's choice.

Online condolences to the family may be sent to www.hilligossshraderfh.com.