Robert L. Solomon

Bob graduated from Springfield High School in 1949 and served in the Korean War from 1952 to 1954. He also was a Sigma Nu alumnus while attending the University of Illinois and received a bachelor’s degree in Business with a minor in Accounting in 1957.

Bob married “the girl next door” Donna J. Antle in Springfield on June 25, 1955. After graduation, he joined the Solomon Grinding Service, which at that time ground iron ore and other ore byproducts. His operations grew from supplying iron oxides to foundry, feed and fertilizer operations into Solomon Colors, Inc., an international cement and mortar color manufacturing plant supplying iron oxides to the ready-mix and concrete product industry.

Bob’s grandfather, father and three uncles contributed to Springfield’s history as owners/operators of the Black Diamond and Panther Creek Coal Mines operating in Springfield during the late 1800s through 1950s.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Florence “Nonnie” Smiles/Grebler and Mary Lou Kanberg.

Surviving are his beloved wife Donna, two sons, Robert C. Solomon (wife Cathy), of Fairbanks, AK; Richard R. Solomon (wife Gina), of Springfield; two daughters, Stacy E. Bowman (husband Frank), of Pleasant Plains; and Valerie V. Nester (husband Mark), of Springfield; 10 grandchildren; three nephews; and nine nieces. He also leaves behind many dear friends.

Bob was an avid outdoorsman and dedicated conservationist. He was particularly fond of upland game and waterfowl, and devoted to the sport of duck hunting.

The family will receive friends from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 21, at the Boardman-Smith Funeral Chapel, 800 S. Grand Ave West. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 22, at the Westminster Presbyterian Church with Dr. Lonnie H. Lee officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Disease Research, 22512 Gateway Center Dr., P.O. Box 1950, Clarksburg, MD 20871 or Alzheimer’s Association Greater IL Chapter, 2921 Greenbriar Dr., Ste. C, Springfield, IL 62704.

Visit the online obituary and sign the guest book at www.boardman-smith.net