Robert Earl Wilson died on September 13, 2022 at the age of 91 at Heritage Health Hoopeston after an extended illness. Bob was born April 14, 1931 in Keokuk Iowa, the son of James Delbert Wilson and Anna Ruth ( Mckinzie) Wilson.
Bob grew up in Fort Madison Iowa and was a graduate of Fort Madison High School. He was married to Norma Jean Schafer on January 14, 1951 in Fort Madison. Bob joined the Air Force in 1951 and was stationed at Kessler AFB and in Okinawa. He was very proud of his Air Force service and in later years wore his Korean War Veteran hat every time he went out.
Bob was employed locally by Twin City Pontiac and Sullivan Parkhill until his retirement. He was a wonderful salesman and never met a person he didn’t want to talk to. Wherever he went, Bob could make a friend and help set folks at ease. Bob and Norma shared a marriage of 69 years, and together built a home of love and laughter. Bob was a spirited storyteller and loved to share stories from his life, travels, and the people he had met. He loved to hear others stories and had a wonderful laugh. Together, Bob and Norma raised three children and they created a raucous family of love and support for their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Bob’s care extended to his neighbors, creating warm connections and baking untold number of Christmas cookies to share. He had a great ability to make people feel special.
Bob’s world grew smaller in recent years, after the death of his beloved Norma, and his health made things more difficult. Through it all, Bob continued with stories to share, laughter, and love. Bob will be remembered as a beloved father, grandfather, neighbor, and friend, with a story to tell and a rolling laugh. Bob and Norma had 3 children: Julie Wilson Horst (Robert) of San Jose CA, Jay Wilson (Jeanne), Springfield IL and Chuck Wilson (Mary) of Champaign. He had 9 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Grandchildren are Lisa Horst Clark (Joshua), Bellevue WA, Kevin Horst, Los Angeles CA, Erin Poppenhouse (Ty), Mt. Juliet TN, Colin Wilson, Springfield Il, McKinzie Wilson, Springfield Il. Jeremy Hunt (Renee), Champaign, Blake Hunt (Sasha), Tuscola. AJ Wilson (Nicole) Champaign, Cully Wilson (Savannah) St Petersburgh Fl. Great grandchildren are Eleanor Clark, Parker Poppenhouse, Presley Poppenhouse, Noelle Hunt, Ty Hunt, Alexis Hunt.
Bob was a member of Holy Cross Church in Champaign since 1966 where he was an usher until his health restricted his activities. He will be remembered at a Celebration of Life at Holy Cross Church on November 5, 2022 at 10:30AM.
The family wishes to thank the wonderful care that was given to Bob by Heritage Health in Hoopeston and Carle Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Carle Hospice, Holy Cross Church, or to the donor’s choice.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Robert Wilson, please visit our floral store.