Robert James Fager

Robert James Fager, 74, of Murphysboro, passed away at 3:32 a.m. Sunday, January 16, 2000 at his residence.
Mr. Fager was a retired farmer and carpenter, who with his brothers, Victor and Phillip, started Fager Brothers in 1957.  The firm continues at Fager Builders.  After retirement, he enjoyed restoring antique tractors, childrens peddle tractors and musical instruments.
Mr. Fager wrote a short story on finding and restoring his fathers first tractor.  This story was the first that Robert had written and it was published in a book called Iron Will in 1995.
He was a member of St. Andrew Catholic Church in Murphysboro.  He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and Jackson County Farm Bureau.  He also enjoyed playing golf.
Mr. Fager was a WW II Army veteran.
He was born April 29, 1925 in Vergennes, the son of Ernest P. and Alice (Mileur) Fager.  He married Norma Schafer on September 6, 1947 at DuQuoin and she survives.
In addition to his wife of Murphysboro, he is survived by four children, David Fager of Murphysboro; Chuck Fager of Murphysboro, Donna Crow and husband Heath of Murphysboro and Carol Bastien and husband Randall of DuQuoin; eight grandchildren, Jessica Fager, Jacqueline Fager, Jennah Fager, Aaron Kelley, Patrick Kelley and Corin Kelley and Nolan Bastien and Collin Bastien; four brothers, Victor Fager of Murphysboro, E.J. Fager of Murphysboro, Phillip Fager of Murphysboro and Danny Fager of DeSoto and one sister, Clarice Arbeiter of Murphysboro. 
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral services were Wednesday, January 19 at 10 a.m. at St. Andrew Church with Father Gary Gummersheimer, Father Leo Hayes and Father Peter Hsu officiating.  Interment was in St. Andrew Cemetery at Murphysboro.
Friends were able to call from 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday until 9:45 a.m. at Pettett Funeral Home in Murphysboro.  A prayer service was held at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to St. Andrews Church or TIP Hospice.
