Robert J. Wilson

CHARLESTON, IL – Heaven gained a farmer on January 14, 2020 as Robert J. (Bob) Wilson departed this earthly home for his eternal reward while surrounded by loving family and friends.  Visitation will be held from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 19, 2020 at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston.  The Funeral Service, honoring and celebrating his life, will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, January 20, 2020 at the funeral chapel with long time family friend, Reverend Kenin Smith officiating.  Burial will follow at Roselawn Cemetery in Charleston.  Memorial gifts in his honor may be made to the Charleston High School FFA Activity Fund Account; the University of Illinois 4-H Foundation (Coles County) or CrossTies Christian Ministries.  Gifts may be left at the visitation/service or mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Drive, Charleston, IL  61920.

Bob was born on November 8, 1929, the youngest child of Arthur and Clara (Esch) Wilson.  He grew up on the family farm in Hutton Township, and graduated Charleston High School in 1950.  During his schooling he was invited to the Sadie Hawkins Dance by who was to become the love of his life.  He married Joyce J. Scribner on May 29, 1951, with whom he has celebrated 68 years of love and friendship.  From that union came two sons, Gary L. Wilson of Terre Haute, Indiana and Dr. Larry W. Wilson of Evanston, Illinois.

Bob was a farmer at heart throughout his life.  For the first 14 years of marriage he worked for and managed the Kroger store in Charleston.  At its closing, he was employed by the A&P Store on the south side of the Charleston Square.  In the fall of 1965 he accepted a position at Eastern Illinois University, working in the athletics equipment room; a job he would enjoy for the next 26 years.

In 1968 Bob and his family moved to a small farm in Westfield, Illinois where they lived for 36 years.  During their time on the farm, the Wilson’s two sons, showed Corriedale Sheep.  Together, Bob and Joyce founded Robjoy Shorthorns, raising, exhibiting, and selling Registered Shorthorn Cattle.  You could find Bob and Joyce along the bleachers at the Illinois State Fair, DuQuoin State Fair, and the North American International Livestock Exposition.  Robjoy Shorthorn were honored by the American Shorthorn Association in 2010 as Builder of Breed.  Bob was also noted for his half acre garden, his green thumbs, and producing vegetables for his family, friends, and neighbors.  Not to be left unnoticed, were his beautiful flowers and plants.  You would also find Bob’s faithful companions, Captain, Sebastian and Sydney, the family pets by his side.

Bob was an avid sports fan of the Eastern Illinois Panthers and the University of Illinois Fighting Illini.  He also enjoyed gospel and traditional country music, originating from playing the mandolin and violin with his sister and extended family in his early years.

Bob was member of First Baptist Church in Charleston and of both the American and Illinois Shorthorn Associations.

Above and beyond all of that, the greatest joy in his life was watching his sons grow into outstanding young men; as well as his grandchildren, Darrick (Christy) Wilson of Terre Haute, Indiana and Kelsey (Jarrod) Barrett of Farmersburg, Indiana.  Those who kept him young at heart were his three great-grandchildren, Maci Grace Wilson, Brookelee Kay Barrett and Gradon Barrett.    He was preceded by his parents, brothers, William, Albert and Charles Wilson; a sister Florence Goble, and infant sister, Mildred Alice Wilson.

Bob’s family wishes to extend sincere thanks and heartfelt appreciation to Bob’s caregivers; Carolyn Birch, Barbara Catron, Julie McDivitt , Fred Jaeger, Jeanie Davis and Judith Stapp.  The same is extended to the doctors, nurses and staff at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center and Lincolnland Hospice for their compassion and caring during Bob’s final days.

FUNERAL SERVICE
The funeral service honoring and celebrating the life of Robert Wilson was held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, January 20, 2020 at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston with Reverend Kenin Smith officiating.  The service opened with a recorded musical selection of "If You're Gonna Play In Texas", followed by violinist, Ken Johnston who played "Yellow Rose of Texas" , "Wabash Cannonball" and  "Oh Them Golden Slippers".  Additional recorded selections included "If I Had To Do It All Over Again, I'd Do It With You" and "When I Get To Where I'm Going".  Marge Woodall, pianist accompanied the congregational hymn of "Mansion Over The Hilltop" and provided Postlude selections.  Burial followed in Roselawn Cemetery, Charleston.  Pallbearers were: Steve Calhoun, Rick Goble, Kevin Wilson, Matt Herzog, Darrell Bough, Greg Catron and Jarrod Barrett.  Honorary Pallbearers included August Wilson, Gene Chaplin, Mike Reedy, Larry Ankenbrand and Herb Wilson. 

Click here to view the Family Memorial Video.

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