On April 18, 2023, Scott L. McIlvain, age 71, a beloved father, son, brother, and cousin, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at the home of his daughter, Kate Matthews, in Peachtree City, GA. The cause of death was pancreatic cancer. He is preceded in death by his father, Paul McIlvain. Scott is survived by his daughter Kate Matthews and her husband, Brian, of Peachtree City, GA; his son Craig McIlvain and his wife, Julia, of Carrollton, GA; mother, Cherry McIlvain; sister, Marianne Spalding and her husband, David; grandchildren, Claire McIlvain, Annabelle, Joshua, and Mason Matthews; niece Megan Spalding; and nephew Andrew Spalding.

Scott was born August 11, 1951 in Monmouth IL, but grew up in Rock Island, IL, graduating from Rock Island High School in 1969. During his childhood years, he particularly enjoyed boating on the Mississippi River with his family. His high school years on the track team were also very meaningful to him. Scott attended Elmhurst College, graduating with a degree in history, and obtained a master's degree in International Relations from Florida State University. He was employed in the insurance industry, finishing his career at CNA Financial Corporation in Chicago. Always a hard worker, Scott worked to age 70 applying himself diligently to every task in his methodical and thorough way. Scott's greatest interest and avocation was study of the Civil War and, in addition to collecting an extensive library of Civil War history books, Scott was a member of the Civil War Round Table and took numerous trips to Civil War battlefields. A simple question would often result in a detailed analysis of battlefield tactics or where this or that general went wrong. Scott's greatest love was for his children, Kate and Craig. He worked hard to be always available and supportive and was immensely proud of the people they have become and what they have accomplished. A gentle soul, Scott enriched the lives of those around him.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 on June 10, 2023, at Collegiate Presbyterian Church (159 Sheldon Ave, Ames, IA 50014).

In lieu of flowers Scott's favorite charities are:

• American Battlefield Trust: Help Save Battlefields / Support Education (www.battlefields.org/give) 1-800-298-7878

• National Park Foundation: (give.nationalparks.org) Email: donorservices@nationalparks.org

• Hillsdale College: (www.hillsdale.edu/) Email: donorservices@hillsdale.edu