Robert Lance "Bob" Coad (99) of Newton

Robert Lance “Bob” Coad, age 99, of Newton, Illinois, passed away at 11:10 PM Saturday, December 31, 2022, at HSHS St Anthony’s Memorial Hospital in Effingham, Illinois.

Funeral services celebrating Bob’s life will be held at 11:30 AM Monday, January 16, 2023, at the First Baptist Church in Newton, Illinois, with Rev. Steve Willis officiating. Burial will be in the Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Newton, Illinois, with full military rites by the Jasper Post #20 American Legion. Visitation will be held 10:00-11:30 AM Monday, January 16, 2023, at the church. In loving memory of Bob, memorials may be made to the Newton Ministerial Association. Arrangements are under the care of the Meyer Funeral Home in Newton, Illinois. The obituary can be viewed, and condolences left by clicking here. 

Robert Lance, known to his family and friends as “Bob” was born on December 20, 1923, in Hidalgo, Illinois, the son of George and Elva (Brunner) Coad. He married Waunita “Nita” Reynolds on January 23, 1946, and to this union two sons where born, Dennis and Mark. She preceded him in death on January 24, 1996.

After Bob finished 2 years of high school at Rose Hill, he began driving a farm truck making deliveries for local businesses at Rose Hill. He was later drafted into the United States Army during WWII. Because he was an experienced truck driver when he was drafted, Bob drove an army transport truck to deliver solders and supplies to the front lines of England, France, and Germany during the War. After he was discharged from the Army in October 1946, he worked as an apprentice plumber in Champaign, where he and Nita were married and lived for a while. They then moved to Hidalgo, and he was a logger with his brother-in-law (Ab German) for a couple years. They then moved to Greenbrier (south of Oblong) when he and his brother-in-law (Ab German) farmed for Elmer Townsend for several years before moving south of Rose Hill to his own farm while he also drove a school bus. When he retired from farming, they moved to Newton. Bob would sometimes reminisce to family members how he enjoyed driving students to games and events in various locations. He enjoyed spending time with his family and attending his grandchildren’s sports events and church and school programs. He also enjoyed visiting with his many friends and acquaintances. Even through Bob’s many rough times of life he would say, “God has been good to me” and he would share with others his knowledge of the Bible and relationship with Jesus.

Bob was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church and a member of the Jasper Post #20 American Legion.

Bob is survived by: Son – Mark Coad of Newton, Illinois; Daughter-in-law – Donna Coad of Newton, Illinois; Grandchildren – Deanna (Chad) Kerner of Arcola, Illinois; Douglas (Ashley) Coad of Henderson, Kentucky; Debra (Andre) Leachman of Newton, Illinois; and Carmen (Mike) Kaufman of Naperville, Illinois; Great Grandchildren – Jonathan (Corinne) Coad, Alexander Coad, David Coad, Coady Kerner, Caleb Kerner, Christy Kerner, Caden Kerner, Allison Coad, Gavin Leachman, Liam Leachman, Quinn Leachman, Kaylyn Leachman, Andrew Kaufman and Mason Kaufman; Great Grandchild – Ruthie Coad. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, wife, son Dennis Coad, grandson Daniel Coad, sister Eva “Leon” German, brother Dale Coad.