Clyde Robert “C.R.” Ramsey, age 89, passed away unexpectedly at home on May 16, 2026. He was born on August 1, 1936. C.R. lived a life marked by service, hard work, honesty, and deep devotion to his family.
C.R. grew up in Belleville and attended Belleville West High School, where he was part of the 1954 State Championship Baseball team, under Coach Boots Budde. He proudly served in the Army Reserves with the 892nd Transportation Company of Belleville, Illinois for 37 years, obtained the rank of Captain and retired on August 1, 1996. During his military service, he was awarded the Sharpshooter Ribbon and the Army Commendation Service Medal.
He also built a long and dedicated career with Illinois American Water Company, beginning as a laborer in December 1958 and working his way up to Distribution Superintendent before retiring in 1992. C.R. was a 45-year member of A.F. & A.M. Gothic Lodge 852 and Ainad Shriners.
After retirement, C.R. and his wife, Jeanette, moved to O’Fallon, where they enjoyed their retirement years together. He lost the love of his life and high school sweetheart on February 1, 2011 and has missed her deeply ever since. They were married on February 9, 1957 in Waterloo, IL.
C.R. enjoyed many simple pleasures in life like fishing and reading, watching sports on television including baseball, the WNBA, college softball, football, and especially NASCAR. He took great joy in attending his grandchildren’s ball games when he was able. He was also a fan of John Wayne films, Ken Burns documentaries, and his favorite movie was A League of Their Own.
Mr. Ramsey will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. His memory will live on in the lives of the family and friends he cherished so deeply. He was a man of honesty and integrity who loved his family, was known for being generous, helpful, and dependable, and touched many lives through his steady presence and caring nature.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Jeanette (nee Wittauer) Ramsey; his parents Joseph and Anna, nee Hoernis, Ramsey; brother Leland “Skip” Ramsey, sister JoAnn Kehoe; son-in-law David Fritzinger; in-laws, nephews and a niece.
Survivors include his children Randi (Brian) Marquis of O’Fallon, Sandi Fritzinger of Swansea, and Troy Ramsey of O’Fallon; grandchildren Toni (Dylan) Tyler of Ala., Christopher (Brianne) Jakes of O’Fallon, Kaci (Dustin) Wagner of Caseyville, Kimberly (T.J.) Wylie of Belleville, and Jordan Marquis of O’Fallon; great-grandchildren Carter, Emerson, and Callan Jakes, Liam Bertelsman, Phoenix Beloch, Emma Tyler, and great-granddaughter Tyler on the way in July; nephews Kerry and Darren Kehoe, Donald Chaput, nieces Kelly Bauer and Linda Lagos and a sister in law Molly Ramsey.
In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to Shriner’s Hospital or St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Online guestbook and photo tribute are available at www.wfh-ofallon.com.
Visitation: 9:30 – 11:30 am, Saturday, June 6, 2026 at Wolfersberger Funeral Home, 102 W. Washington St., O’Fallon. A Masonic Service will be held at 10:30 am, Sat., at the funeral home.
Memorial Service will follow at 11:30 am, with Deacon Gary Mueller officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Valhalla Gardens of Memory, Belleville, IL.
