Robert Eugene McCarthy, 76, of Chatham, passed away on Thursday, October 6, 2011. He was born in Ashland, Illinois on May 18, 1935, the son of Luther Leslie and Mamie Mae Mayes McCarthy. On October 14, 1955, he married Bertha Jeanne Bumgarner. He was preceded in death by his parents. Mr. McCarthy is survived by his wife of 55 years, Jeanne; sons Robert (Donna) Eugene McCarthy, Jr. of Timonium, Maryland and Michael (Annette) Gene McCarthy of Auburn; granddaughters Leryn (Zach) Rector of Auburn and Aubrey McCarthy of Auburn; great grandson Cash Rector of Auburn; brother Albert (Nancy) McCarthy of Springfield; sister Ruth Ann Lard of Pekin and several nieces, nephews and cousins. As a young man, Mr. McCarthy served in the United States Army from 1958-1960. He retired in 1994 after 41 years as an operating engineer for Local 965. In his retirement, he enjoyed tinkering in woodworking and restoring farm tractors. His proudest achievement was restoring a 1953 Super M Farmall. Private family services were held, with Paula Staab Polk, Celebrant, and burial in Chatham Memorial Cemetery. Memorials: Auburn Fire and Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 347, Auburn, IL 62615
