Robert Dale "Zeb" McElroy, 73, of Pawnee, Ill., passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2012, at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield. Zeb was born Aug. 7, 1939, in Pawnee, the son of Frank H. and Pearl M. Taylor McElroy. He married Barbara A. Hickey on July 11, 1958, in Taylorville, Ill. Zeb was preceded in death by parents; a brother, Frank E. "Frankie" McElroy; and a son, Terry D. McElroy, in 2011. Zeb attended Pawnee schools, and he began working in the coal mining industry when he was 21 years old. He worked at Peabody Coal Mine #10 for 35 years �ۥ retiring in 1993 �ۥ and was a member of the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) Local #9819. His passion in life was restoring classic cars, including his '55 Chevy. He loved traveling with his wife, taking trips to the boats, and teasing his grandkids. Zeb is survived by his wife, Barb, of Pawnee; one son, Rodney W. (companion, Sarajo) McElroy, of Virden; one daughter, Vonda A. Dougherty, of Pawnee; 11 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; two nieces; and several cousins. Zeb's family will meet friends Sunday, Nov. 25, from 2 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 5 p.m. at the Curry Funeral Home in Pawnee. The Rev. Flo Scott will officiate. Curry Funeral Home in Pawnee is serving the family of Zeb McElroy. Service: Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012 at 5 p.m. Curry Funeral Home 407 Carroll Street Pawnee, Ill. Visitation: Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. Curry Funeral Home 407 Carroll Street Pawnee, Ill.