Robert G. Starkey

He was born on April 9, 1940, in Farina, IL, the son of Floyd G. and Moine L. (Allen) Starkey, and married Ella “Ann” Blackwell on September 8, 1961, in Effingham, IL.

Bob graduated from Effingham High School, where he played trombone in the school band, and the University of Illinois, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering in 1964, and his master’s degree in geotechnical engineering in 1965. Bob went on to work at Professional Services Industry (PSI), where he was an executive vice president with offices in various states. He was a faithful member of Chatham Baptist Church, where he was a trustee, Sunday school teacher, and music director for many years. Bob volunteered for the Illinois Baptist Disaster Relief in the aftermath of the Great Flood of 1993, checking on structural damage to churches along the Mississippi River. He enjoyed gardening when he was younger, and loved to attend auctions, where he would bid on large pallets of surplus items that only he had an idea what to do with. His recent hobbies included reading, vacationing in Florida during the winter, spending time with family and friends, and enjoying Saturday breakfast with his youngest grandson at Chatham Café.

Bob was a patient man, especially when mentoring his grandchildren. He would allow them to take the lead on maintenance projects at his rental properties, and quietly share in the satisfaction when they overcame setbacks and learned first-hand to do everything, from replacing a garbage disposal to installing a doorknob and deadbolt.

Bob was a humble man, too. You would never have guessed his professional success from either talking to him or watching him tool around town in his pick-up truck, blue jeans, and suspenders. He also was a generous man, but chose to donate anonymously to various charities and causes. And above all else, he was a Godly man and a good Christian example, telling family and friends as they departed company to “Remember who you are, and whose you are.”

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Bob is survived by his wife, Ann Starkey of Springfield; daughters, Jayne (Jeff) Squibb and Susan (Harold Oliver) King, both of Springfield; grandchildren, Teri (Christopher) White, Maclin (Alle Ragland) Squibb, Janek (Stuart Ford) Squibb, and Cainan Squibb; siblings, Richard (Marlyn Sue), Tony (Myra), Darrel (Liz), and Carrel (Marsha) Starkey, and Janette (Dan) Bledsoe; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation and Funeral Ceremony: Family will receive friends from 9:00 a.m. to 10:45 am on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at Chatham Baptist Church, 1500 E. Walnut St., Chatham, followed by the Ceremony at 11:00 a.m., with Rev. Jerry Weber and Rev. Milton Bost officiating. Burial will follow at Chatham Memorial Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Baptist Children’s Home and Family Services (BCHFS) at https://bchfs.com/donate/

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home – Chatham, 8855 State Route 4, Chatham.