Robert Lewis Plunk III

Robert was born the oldest of 12 children on October 18, 1942, in Decatur, IL, the son of Robert Lewis Plunk, Jr. and Frances Jane Carey Plunk. He married Elizabeth “Liz” (Mershon) on June 21, 1975, in Champaign.

Robert graduated with a bachelor’s degree from SIU-C. He worked for the State of IL, Department of Transportation in Management and Budgeting, retiring in 2001. Robert also served in the IL Army National Guard for a total of 23 years, achieving the rank of Lt. Colonel. He was a faithful member of St. James Church in Riverton. In his spare time, Robert enjoyed volunteering for Senior Services and numerous other organizations, spending time with his family, playing “Old School” senior softball, helping on his brothers’ farms, and traveling.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Margaret DeBord and Carol Feeney; and two brothers, Stephen and James Plunk.

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth “Liz” Plunk of Riverton; three sons, Garrett (Christie) Tallman of Encinitas, CA, Robert (Kelly) Plunk of Huntley, IL, and David (Jennifer) Plunk of Chandler, AZ; five grandchildren, Evan Tallman, Cameron, Devyn, Adam, and Noelle Plunk; seven siblings, William (Shirley) Plunk of St. Augustine, FL, Martha Cox of Chapel Hill, NC, Thomas (Joan) Plunk of Mansfield, IL, Mary Hughes of Peoria, IL, David (Carol) Plunk of Farmer City, IL, Joseph (Renee) Plunk of Bloomington, IL, and Gregory (Kathlene) Plunk of Mansfield, IL; and many nieces and nephews.

Cremation will be provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies.

Memorial Gathering and Funeral Mass: Family will receive friends from 9:30 until the time of the Mass at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 19, 2023, at St. James Catholic Church, 112 6th St., Riverton, IL 62561 with Rev. Raphael Paul De Moreno, celebrant.

Private family burial will be held at Blue Ridge Township Cemetery in Mansfield, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. James Church in Riverton or the charity of the donor’s choice.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, 900 S. Sixth St., Springfield, IL 62703.