Robert (Bob) Dale Mathews, 84, of Stewardson, IL passed away at 3:40 p.m. on Sunday, January 30, 2022, in the comfort of his home.
He was born on March 2, 1937, the son of Luther and Isabel (Rankin) Mathews. He married Louella Ann Baumgarten on September 15, 1956 in Springfield. She preceded him in death on February 20, 2006.
Bob graduated from Stewardson-Strasburg High School in 1955. He retired from Blaw Knox in Mattoon with over 40 years of service. He also helped his grandparents Ed and Dott Rankin farm at one time. He had lived with them while attending high school. While there he enjoyed swimming in the Wabash and roaming the hills, getting into a little mischief with his brother and the Bales cousins. He played softball and still had his Falk Produce sponsored ball uniform. He had enjoyed coon hunting, fishing, and mushroom hunting, while having Bluetick coonhounds and quarter horses most of his life. He was a longtime member of both the AQHA and the PKC. He enjoyed rodeos, tractor pulls and stock car racing. He was a tough, honest, hardworking man. He could fix almost anything (or tape or rig it). He was devoted to his family and will be deeply missed and forever remembered by family and friends.
He is survived by a daughter, Kimberly Ann Wallace of Stewardson; granddaughters: Brooke Ann (Don) Durbin of Mode and Rhiannon Elizabeth (Shane) Klier of Edmond, OK; great-grandchildren: Dane Robert Durbin, Ella Maye and Addy Layne Klier; aunt, Imogene Bales-Rentfro; sister-in-law, Carol Baumgarten and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; three infant sons: David Eugene, Rickie Allen and Robert Dale Mathews; brother, Carl Mathews; brother-in-law, David Baumgarten; uncles: Allen Rankin and Eugene Rankin.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 5, 2022, in Brummerstedt Funeral Home with Reverend David Ducommon officiating. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will take place in Stewardson Cemetery. Due to health concerns related to COVID-19 wearing a mask is suggested. Please dress casual in jeans. Memorials may be made to Stewardson Cemetery, American Legion Post 611, Stewardson Historical Museum or the Shelbyville Chautauqua Auditorium and mailed to Brummerstedt Funeral Home, 302 W. Main St., Shelbyville, IL 62565. Brummerstedt Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Family and friends are invited to light a candle or share a story in Bob’s honor at www.lockartgreenfuneralhome.com.
