Robert "Bob" Eugene West Sr.

Robert “Bob” Eugene West Sr., age 83 of Trilla, IL passed away on Sunday, January 12, 2025, at his residence. A funeral service in his honor will be held at 1:00 PM, Friday, January 17, 2025, at First Baptist Church, 1804 S. 9th Street, Mattoon, IL 61938. Reverend Dennis Strawn will officiate. A committal service will immediately follow at Resthaven Memorial Gardens in Mattoon, IL. The visitation will be held from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Thursday, January 16, 2025, at the church. Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home, 1200 Wabash Avenue, Mattoon, IL 61938 is in charge of services. Robert was born on December 9, 1941, in Mattoon, IL to the late Charles Wesley and Dorothy Lenora (Graham) West. He married Nancy J. Smith on July 10, 1971, in Mattoon, IL; she survives and resides in Trilla, IL. He is also survived by four children: Robert “Bob” E. West Jr. and wife Nancy (Deceased) of Charleston, IL, Jeff M. West, Lisa M. Rieck and husband Mark of Trilla, IL, Shane West and fiancé Paige of Trilla, IL; one sister, Joan Pilkerton of Mattoon, IL; eleven grandchildren: Michael West and wife Regina, Caleb West, Jennifer Hurt, Tyler West, Nicole Barnes, Samantha DaPron, Andrea Searfoss and husband Matthew, Dalton Rieck, Matthew Rieck, Koty and Kailey West; nineteen great-grandchildren; and a special friend, Marilee Blair. He was preceded in death by one daughter, Robin; one daughter-in-law; one brother; and one sister. Bob was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church in Mattoon, IL. Hardworking to his core, he always worked multiple jobs. He was an auto mechanic at KC Summers and Waters Auto Body, he was employed at Youngs Radiator for seventeen years, R & N Maintenance, and retired from the Mattoon Adult Education Center. Known by many as a dog trainer, Bob was very knowledgeable about his K-9 friends. A dog whisperer, he knew how to speak dog. Unruly dogs left his training camp changed by his techniques. A hard worker in all facets of life, he was a beekeeper, took pride in keeping a well-maintained lawn, and took care of all the mechanical, construction, and maintenance needs of his family and friends. Bob enjoyed fishing whether it was at home in his pond or fishing trips to Mississippi. He loved socializing with people, playing cards and Bingo. Bob lived and loved to the fullest. He was a true patriarch, a voice of reason, and loved by all. As a husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, he will be deeply missed. Please visit www.mitchell-jerdan.com or www.facebook.com/mitchelljerdanfuneralhome to light a virtual candle in his honor or share a memory with the family.

Tributes

Robert "Bob" Eugene West Sr.

December 9, 1941 - January 12, 2025