Robert Ray German, 69, of Taylorville, passed away at 10:29 a.m. on Sunday, April 1, 2018 at his residence.
Bob was born August 12, 1948, in Taylorville, the son of William Mervin and Irene (Funderburk) German. He married Penny Swedick on March 30, 1979.
Bob graduated from Taylorville High School in 1966, and then went on to proudly serve his country in the United States Army, during Vietnam. He served two tours of duty as a supply delivery driver between camps. He earned the National Defense Service Medal, as well as the Vietnam Service Medal with 6 Bronze Stars for his heroism. Bob went on to work at Firestone in Decatur for over 31 years, eventually retiring from there. He and Penny owned an antique store for many years, and Bob also had a lawncare service that he took great pride in. Bob attended auctioneer school in Ames, IA, and he and John Morrissey auctioneered together for many years. He was a member of Taylorville Christian Church, where he served as a past deacon, and Sunday School teacher for the high school children.
Bob was an avid golfer and Chicago Cubs fan. He enjoyed antiques, auctions, and yardwork, but most of all he enjoyed his children and grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Lester, Lanny, and Pete German.
Bob is survived by his wife, Penny German of Taylorville, IL; children, Gerri (husband, Jason) Poor of Taylorville, IL, Jacque (husband, Jeff) Nation of Taylorville, IL, Jill (husband, John) Smith of Taylorville, and Robert German of Chicago, IL; grandchildren, Josh (wife, Mandy) Nation, Madison Smith, Gabrielle Poor, Luke Poor, and Tatum Smith; great grandchildren, Larah, Laya, and Mavis Nation; siblings, Lu (husband, Jim) Manuel of Stonington, IL, Janet (husband, Bill) Jones of rural Taylorville, IL, Butch (wife, Dee) German of Farmersville, IL, and Brenda (husband, Morey) Washburn of Blue Mound, IL; special niece, Kelly (husband, Bob) Swedick of North Bend, WA; his comfort dog, Emma; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Cremation will be accorded prior to ceremonies.
Visitation: The family will receive friends from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 3, 2018 at Shafer-Perfetti & Assalley Funeral Home, 202 W. Franklin St., Taylorville, IL 62568.
Additional Visitation & Memorial Ceremony: 11:00 a.m. until the time of ceremony at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 4, 2018 at Shafer-Perfetti & Assalley Funeral Home in Taylorville, with Rev. Tom Bellagante officiating.
Inurnment will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Taylorville, IL where military honors will be provided by Department of Defense, American Legion Post 73, and the VFW Post 4495.
Memorial Contributions may be made to: Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, 383 Main Ave. 5th Floor, Norwalk, CT 06851.
Please visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to offer condolences to the family.
