Ralph Eugene “Pee Wee” Drollinger, 87, of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 7:20 P.M. Monday February 24, 2020 at his home. He was born March 29, 1932, at home in Hoopeston, IL., the son of Lee and Allena M. (Bradshaw) Drollinger. He married Beverly Jean Watson and she preceded him in death in Nov. 1983. Together they had three children, Nina Drollinger who survives in Rankin, IL, and Vickie Beaty and Mark Drollinger who preceded him in death. He later married Virginia Jean Taflinger on November 30, 1991, in Las Vegas, NV. She survives in Hoopeston along with her children Debra (Lupe) Rivera of TX and Phillip (Dee) Hollen of TX.
He is also survived by one daughter-in-law, Susie Drollinger of Hoopeston, IL; one brother, Howard (Carol) Drollinger of Clinton, IN; one sister-in-law, Bonnie Swan of Danville, IL; one brother-in-law, Danny (Gale) Watson of Flanagan, IL; 13 grandchildren, Billy Ervin, Becky Ervin, Anthony (Stacey) Raker, Zackary Raker, Holly Baker, Patrick Drollinger, Chris Land, Amelia (Dharyl) Daduya, Richard Rivera, Emily (Adam) Ener, Kyle Hollen, Drew Smith, and Jordan Tatum; 15 great-grandchildren, Chelsea (T.J.) Mac, Rachel (David) Cross, Rollin, Rocklyn, Willow Starr and Lia Rudisill, Morgan, Colton, Mason Raker, Kyli, Kadi, Kali Baker, Bowdy Irvin, Magnolia Ener, and Kav Smith; 2 great-great grandchildren, Gracie Irvin & Ryder Cross as well several nieces and nephews.
He is also preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Earl “Bud” Drollinger.
Pee Wee worked at American Can Co. in Hoopeston and later became a union electrical contractor owning and operating Drollinger Electric. He was a member of the Hoopeston Masonic Star Lodge #709. For several years, he was an Auxiliary Policeman for the Hoopeston Police Department. Pee Wee enjoyed watching the Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears, going on cruises, and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He also enjoyed shooting and had won many awards as a sharpshooter.
A visitation will be held 2:00 – 5:00 P.M. Sunday March 1, 2020 at Anderson Funeral Home 427 E. Main St. Hoopeston, IL, with masonic rites being held at 4:30 P.M. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday March 2, 2020 at the funeral home with Larry Baughn officiating. Burial will follow in Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston.
Memorials may be made to the Hoopeston Masonic Star Lodge #709, the Dementia Society of America or to the charity of your choice.
