Robert W. Jordan's Obituary
CHARLESTON, IL - Robert (Bob) Wright Jordan, age 77, died Tuesday, March 24, 2015 while at Hilltop Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Charleston. Bob was born August 26, 1937, in St. Louis, MO, the son of Fitzhugh and Audria Ethel (Coffman) Jordan. He married Dorothea A. "Dotty" Walsh in 1960, they later divorced in 1981. Dr. Jordan was Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Eastern Illinois University from 1966-1991. His education included graduations from Soldan High School, Harris Jr. College, and Washington University, St. Louis. He furthered his education at the University of Minnesota, returning to St. Louis for completion of his PhD received July, 1966. Bob fashioned an older house on Tenth Street in Charleston, into a wonderful family home for the raising of his children. He was innovative and could fix most anything. The purchase of a camper provided extensive travel and camping experiences for his family and faithful dog, Daisy. Bob's interests included a large collection of classical music, along with trips to opera houses and concert halls to experience live performances. He also enjoyed visiting art museums and researching artists and their works. Bob's vast library not only included music, but great literature, art books, reference works, and countless volumes on a wide variety of topics as well. His desire was to share these collections with his family and with Eastern Illinois University Booth Library. Bob leaves behind a large family of loved ones, including his biggest support group, Dotty Jordan and their four children - Mark R. Jordan (Denise), Champaign, IL; Patricia L. Elam (Edward), Moweaqua, IL; Scott W. Jordan (Rebecca), Nashville, IL; and Laurie A. Gann (Michael), Charleston, IL; twelve grandchildren and several spouses, and nine great-grandchildren. Bob is also survived by his brothers, Bill (Ola), and John, from St. Louis, MO, and cousins Mary Ann Lillard (Jim) and Ralph Plenge (Mary Ann), from northern Missouri, and his much admired neighbors, the Rev. Bill and Martha Boaz. Bob Jordan's family gives special thanks to the staff of care providers at Hilltop Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. The personnel worked hard to accommodate his needs and comfort, as well as those of his family. In memory of Bob, memorials may be made to Hilltop, 910 W. Polk, Charleston, IL 61920 or may be mailed in care of Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Drive, Charleston, IL 61920. As per Bob's wishes, there will be no services, just a private memorial for family.
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