Robert W. Hussey's Obituary
CHARLESTON, IL - Robert W. ""Bob"" Hussey, age 89 of Charleston, passed away in the comfort of his home on Saturday, November 19, 2011. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Friday, November 25, 2011 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church located at 921 Madison Avenue in Charleston with the Praying of the Rosary at 7:45 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 26, 2011 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church with Father John Titus presiding. Inurnment with Military Rites conducted by the Honor Guard of the Charleston VFW Paul McVey Post 1592 will follow in Roselawn Cemetery in Charleston. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in his honor may be made to St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, LaLeche League, Right to Life or to the E.I.U. Foundation. Gifts may be left on the memorial table at the Visitation or Funeral Mass or may be mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Drive, Charleston, IL 61920. Robert W. Hussey was born July 14, 1922 in Appleton, Wisconsin, a son of the late William and Regina (Farrell) Hussey. He married Laura M. Laurion on December 27, 1950 and they have celebrated nearly sixty-one years of marriage and friendship. Surviving are his loving wife Laura of Charleston; seven loving and devoted children, Dan Hussey and wife Judy of Carlinville, Illinois, Pat Hussey and wife Maria of Bradenton, Florida, Kevin Hussey and wife Kathryn of Charleston, Kelly Hussey and wife Gail of Morris, Illinois, Tom Hussey and wife Sue of Arlington Heights, Illinois, Kathleen Hussey of Colfax, Illinois and Erin Hussey and husband Tony Batya of LaCrosse, Wisconsin; twenty grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; a brother, John Hussey and wife Mary of Green Bay, Wisconsin; a sister, Patricia Hussey of Brookfield, Wisconsin; a sister-in-law, Nancy Hussey of Appleton and several nieces and nephews and their families. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a grandson, Kyle Wargo; two brothers, Farrell Hussey and Dave Hussey; and two sisters, Janell Brum and Maureen Hussey. Following high school Bob went to work as a lineman for the Bell Telephone Company. In April of 1942, at the age of 19, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps and courageously and bravely served his country during World War II as a member of the 439th Troop Carrier Group 91st Squadron. Following his military service he enrolled at LaCrosse State Teachers College in Wisconsin where he received his Bachelors degree. He continued his education at Michigan State University in East Lansing where he attained his Masters degree and in 1963 received his Doctorate from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley. He taught and coached at Washingon Jr. High School in Racine, Wisconsin and at Manistique High School in Michigan before accepting a position at Eastern Illinois University. At EIU he was a Physical Education Professor, an assistant coach for the football and soccer programs, head gymnastics coach as well as the women's badminton coach. Bob was a devoted and faithful member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #4024. His memberships also included the Charleston VFW Paul McVey Post 1592, Mattoon American Legion Post #88, the Illinois Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance as well as the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. Bob believed in physical fitness and led an active lifestyle which included bicycling, playing badminton and table tennis, enjoying long memorable walks with Laura and square dancing - both as a dancer and a caller. Bob had mastered the art of juggling and through his instruction the rest of his family (including his grandchildren) did as well. He also enjoyed traveling and experiencing different scenic locations while appreciating the beauty of God's creation. Bob was a man whose Christian values created a wonderful role model for his family - he led by example and his abundant love and affection for them was steadfast. He was a kind and gentle man of good character who provided a true friend for many. Knowing Bob was a blessing and the many fond memories will serve as comforting reminders of what a positive impact he made upon the lives of his family, students, colleagues and friends.
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