Roy Lee Albert Obituary
Whether in the saddle blazing around the barrel, situated behind the wheel of his restored corvette, carving checkering into his guns stocks or when meticulously placing the next piece of his elaborate model train set, Roy Lee Albert of New Athens, IL, embodied the adage, “It’s not the years in your life that count, it’s the life in your years.”
A beloved son, husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend, Roy was anchored by an enduring commitment to family and community, the continual pursuit of new experiences, and a rock-solid work ethic.
With ingenuity and his wide smile, when Roy took an interest in something, he followed it with curiosity and a fearless gusto. Evidence of that inclination started early while growing up in New Athens, IL, and spending time at his grandfather’s farm. He served as a life-long cornerstone of New Athens into his late seventies. The stories he shared with his sons, wife, siblings and friends are plentiful…As a teen with little mechanical knowledge, he rebuilt motorcycles, engines and guns. Always keen to channel his inner cowboy, he also taught himself how to train horses, to compete and win races and mounted shooting competitions.
These experiences added richness to his active lifestyle, but his top priority has always been his family. He often shared his passions with his sons. Shaping their opportunities and growth, he encouraged them to explore and nurture new interests, like riding motorcycles, boating, skiing, fishing, hunting, mechanical projects, or learning new aspects of the family business. Always willing to share knowledge or impart wisdom, he reminded them to be kind, to live each day with a sense of wonder, to smile often, to try new things, to problem solve, and to work hard.
Roy practiced what he preached. Working hard was something he knew a lot about. Educated at Ranken Technical College and Washington University, he started a business from his garage while juggling a full time career in Tool & Die. He grew that business into the regional manufacturing company, Kaskaskia Tool & Machine. Its presence in New Athens, IL has provided opportunities for others in the community that he was proud to call home. He enjoyed sharing international travel experiences with his wife Tammy along with their time together in nature. They were pleased to host in their home the International Exchange Program.
He also served as a member of several societies. He was President of the New Athens Rotary. He was also active in the National Machine Tool & Association, Society of Manufacturing Engineers, Randolph County Saddle Club, The American Quarter Horse Association, Missouri Big Irons Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association, and the Gateway National Model Railroad Association, among others. While being engaged in the community and building a business required dedication and putting in long hours, he was never too busy to support his sons’ interests – serving as Boy Scout Master, cheering from the stands for his sons’ school activities, hobby projects, hunting & fishing outings, dirt bike outings or planning the next epic ski trip to take together.
Those treasured moments and memories mattered immensely to Roy. The stories he shared and the lively, full spirit he embodied will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him immensely.
On January 20, 2021, following health issues that emerged after an accident three years ago, Roy Lee Albert passed at home surrounded by family.
He was a loving son, husband, father, brother, uncle, friend, neighbor, and business owner. He is survived by his mother Corine (Reinhardt) Albert (New Athens, IL) and was the son of late LeRoy Albert, husband of Tammy (Nugent) Albert (New Athens, IL), father to Dan Albert (New Athens, IL), Brian Albert (St. Louis, MO), brother to Dave (Heather) Albert (Kansas City, MO), Larry (Nancy) Albert (Ft. Worth, TX), Judy (Jack) Ficks (Chicago, IL), and uncle to Benjamin Albert, John Albert, and Jennifer Tolson-Myers. He is also survived by his ex-wife; Joy Albert (Millstadt, IL).
Memorials may be made to Missouri Emergency Response Service (MERS) that provides volunteer technical emergency rescue services for horses and other large animals trapped in accidents.
Visitation: Friends are invited to join the family from 2 to 7 p.m. Sunday January 24, 2021 at Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in New Athens, IL.
Funeral: Services will be held at 7 p.m. on Sunday January 24, 2021 at Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in New Athens, IL with the Rev. Dr. Robert Koch officiating. Cremation is to take place afterwards and interment will follow at Valhalla Gardens Cemetery in Belleville, IL.
Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in New Athens, IL is in charge of arrangements.
