Robert Ray German
August 12, 1948 ~ April 1, 2018
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.
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Penny & family, I am so very sorry for your loss. How lucky you are to have had Bob in your life, although I know it wasn’t long enough. I wish you peace & healing.
Our deepest condolences to all family and friends. He will truly be missed by many. Love you all very much.
Dear Penny and family
I am so sorry to hear about Bob. He was a strong man and he is no longer in pain.
Cathy and Jeff May
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Dearest Penny and Family:
Words truly fail me!! I am so very sad that this kind, good, unselfish man had to suffer so greatly. Somewhat comforting is the fact that Bob is free of pain. A strong warrior. A loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and brother who is now resting in the Gentle Arms of Jesus where I am sure Bob heard these words: Rest Now Good and Faithful Servant. Your Battle is Over.
With deep sympathy and friendship,
Patty Barry
Penny, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Steve and Carol Hubbartt
Dear Jill, John, Madison and Tatum,
We are so very sorry for the loss of your father and grandfather. I hope you find comfort in one another during this difficult time. We love you very much.
A DIGNITY IN WHITE was ordered on April 3, 2018
Penny and family, I am so very sorry for your loss of such a wonderful man. Know that I will keep you in my prayers.
Penny, with deepest regards and prayers, for You and Yours, Chaplain Rick Reed, American Legion Post 73, Taylorville Ill , Quad County Veteran Hospice chaplain, Rick Reed.