Robert Eugene "Bob" Willis (76) of Newton

Robert Eugene “Bob” Willis, age 78, of Newton, Illinois, entered the gates of Heaven at 1:57 AM on Friday, August 6, 2021, at HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital in Effingham, Illinois.     

Bob was born on February 16, 1943, at the Brooks Hospital in Robinson, Illinois, the son of Joseph Kenneth and Mary Arlene (Geffs) Willis. He married his high school sweetheart, Brenda Jean Michl, on March 21, 1964, in Oblong, Illinois, and she survives.

He is also survived by four children: Joe (Laura) Willis of LeRoy, Illinois; Sarah (Jason) Herndon of Chattanooga, Tennessee; Rachel (Preston) Johnson of Louisville, Illinois; and Buffy (Marcus) Brooks of Newton, Illinois; five grandchildren: Isaiah and Isabella Willis, Levi and Lily Johnson, and Emma Brooks; two sisters: Valinda (Earl) Deckard and Valeta Willis both of Oblong, Illinois; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Larry “Joe” Willis, and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Thadeus and Winifred Michl.

Bob graduated from Oblong Township High School in 1961. He served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Bob worked for over 50 years as parts salesman for many businesses including Romack Motors - John Deere, Hutton’s/Big A Auto Parts, AutoZone and O’Reilly Auto Parts. He was a longtime, faithful member of Scott Avenue Christian Church, where he had served as a youth sponsor, Elder, and Sunday School teacher. He also served on the Oil Belt Christian Service Camp board. Bob was a self-taught musician and enjoyed playing all types of instruments. He was often found playing with Clyde and the Boys Country Music all over the area. For several years, he played bass guitar in the praise band at church. Bob enjoyed woodworking, riding motorcycles, collecting toy tractors and spending time with family, especially his grandchildren. Bob never met a stranger and would often be found sharing stories with others.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 - 7:00 PM Tuesday, August 10, 2021, at the Scott Avenue Christian Church in Newton, Illinois. Funeral services celebrating Bob’s life will be held at 10:00 AM Wednesday, August 11, 2021, at the church with Kevin Colclasure officiating. Burial will be in the Honey Cemetery in Bogota, Illinois, with full military rites by the Jasper Post #20 American Legion. In loving memory of Bob, memorials may be made to Casas por Cristo. Arrangements are under the care of the Meyer Funeral Home in Newton, Illinois. The obituary can be viewed and condolences left by clicking here.