Root

Frank E. Root of Benld was born May 4, 1947 in St. Louis, Mo., to the late Howard and Louis (Moenster) Root.

He had many interests, especially sports. He was a player, a coach and a mentor. He was also the promoter and owner of the RCW wrestling organization. Frank developed and trained many wrestlers during his 30 plus years as a promoter. His ability to develop characters and story lines made him one of the best. In his spare time, he loved going to junk stores where he found many treasures. Later in life, his broadcasting ability led him to be the voice of the Mustangs football program. Frank’s relationship with Jesus and a passion for having fun led him to run many church youth groups. The main love of his life was his children and grandchildren. Going to Branson, Grizzly baseball games, Six Flags, Raging River’s, and Ponderosa along with camping at Meramec Caverns and backyard wiffleball games were among the many things he did with them.

Frank was preceded in death by his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Jane and Bob Hagen.

He is survived by his sons, Richard W. Root of Florissant, Mo., Ronald and Diana Root of Dow, Ill., Randon and Elizabeth Root of Spaulding, Ill., and Rhyan Root of Benld; grandchildren, Brandon, Gregory and Josephine Root; sister, Betty Root; nephew, Christopher Root; and niece, Heather Bell.

Visitation will be held Friday, Feb. 9 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Kravanya Funeral Home in Gillespie. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, Feb. 10 at 1 p.m. at Kravanya Funeral Home in Gillespie and interment will follow at Elsah Cemetery in Elsah, Ill. Kravanya Funeral Home of Gillespie is in charge of the arrangements.