Robert F. “Bob” Davis, 88 of Taylorville, passed away at 5:40p.m. on Thursday, May 16, 2024, at Taylorville Memorial Hospital. He was born on August 31, 1935, in Xenia, the son of Herschel S. and Blanche (Fry) Davis. He married Irene Maxine Rabe on March 2, 1957, in Pinckneyville. Bob grew up in Flora before attending SIU Carbondale where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in education, and later went on to receive a Master’s from the University of Illinois and an administration degree from Eastern Illinois University. While attending SIU, Bob worked for the Illinois Central Railroad. Bob proudly served our country from 1954 – 1958 in the U.S. Navy, spending time in Japan during the Korean conflict. Prior to his time in the service, Bob worked as the assistant manager of a clothing store in Flora. He taught school in Streator before becoming principal and later superintendent of the Kincaid Elementary School. He finished his career in education by teaching at St. Maurice Catholic School in Morrisonville, retiring in 1998. Bob was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church where he served in many roles including Deacon, Elder, and a member of the choir. Bob served on the board at Christian County Senior Center. He was an avid golfer, enjoyed model trains, airplanes, and playing bridge with friends. He thoroughly enjoyed gardening and caring for his yard and woodworking. He loved traveling and had visited all 50 states and several other locations around the world.
He is survived by wife: Irene Davis of Taylorville; sons: Brad Davis (Helen) of Taylorville, and Phillip Davis (Lisa) of St. Louis; grandchildren: Brandon Davis (Leah), Blake Davis (Stevi), Brooke Davis, Ryan Helm (Nicole), Samantha Helm, Amanda Helm, Simon Davis, Esther Davis (Jake Lentz), Samual Davis (Bergie), Jordan German, Kieran German, and Sarah German; great grandchildren: Lila Davis, Elise Davis, Camden Davis, Lucas Davis, Finley Davis, Halle Helm and Noa Helm; brother: Ed Davis (Shirley) of Mattoon; sister: Mary Beth Hagen of Flora; and several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister: Carolyn Gregory.
A memorial service for Bob will take place at 12:00p.m. on Thursday, May 23, 2024 at the First Presbyterian Church in Taylorville with Bill Harmon officiating. The visitation will be held from 10:00a.m. until the time of the service. Inurnment will be in Oak Hill Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Chrisitan County Senior Citizens Center or the First Presbyterian Church. McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the family with arrangements.
