Robert Bane List

He came into the world at home in Saybrook, IL to Elmer and Leatha Faye (Bane) List on January 9, 1934, the youngest of four children. In high school he played on the varsity football team where he was looked up to because he was the "only one who knew the rules.” After graduating in 1951 from Saybrook Community High School, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he served honorably from 1953 to 1955 in various places including Camp Pendleton, San Diego and Korea and advanced to the rank of sergeant.

He met his first wife, Gail Hoover (she survives), on a blind date set up by mutual friends. They were married in 1955 and had three beautiful daughters. In 1994 he married his second wife, Nancy S. Thompson (she is since deceased) and their marriage lasted until 2009.

He worked for the Wabash RR on a section gang, at Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul, IL for many years in Civil Service, and for 20 years at Kraft Foods in Champaign, IL, retiring in February of 1999.

He had a lifelong love of reading. His favorite topic was history, especially the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln, and anything by Patrick McManus. He also loved Calvin and Hobbes and Peanuts. He enjoyed loading up on bargain books at the book sales by Books to Benefit, which he regularly attended with his daughter Kathy. He found joy in his hobbies of working in stained glass and wood, building many things for loved ones including beautiful pieces of furniture. He was known for saying that “There is nothing cuter than a day-old baby pig.”

He was an enthusiastic fan of the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team, as was his father before him, much to the chagrin of his Cub’s fan children. He also enjoyed rooting for the Green Bay Packers and attended many Illinois Wesleyan basketball games.

Robert is preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Leatha List; his siblings, Stanley List, Louise Craig, Jean Hudson; as well as in-laws, Blanche List and Bud Hudson.

Throughout his life he attended various United Methodist churches where he both served his community and found spiritual connection. One of his favorite hymns was “Standing on the Promises.” He was also a highly respected member of the Elliott Town Board for many years and was depended upon by members of the community to repair their black and white television sets when needed.

He is survived by and lovingly remembered by his children, Susan List, Schaumburg, IL; Cindy (Jim) Lyons, Bloomington, IL and Kathy List, Bloomington, IL; his two grandchildren; Jamie (Rob) Langworthy, Garland , TX ; and Kelsey Lyons, Plano, TX, as well as three beloved great-grandchildren, Kate, Charlie and Caroline Langworthy.

A visitation will be held July 10th at 10:00 am at East Lawn Funeral Home in Bloomington, IL, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 am. A private interment will be held at Riverside Cemetery in Saybrook, IL.

In lieu of flowers the family requests you honor his memory by making a donation in his name to the charity of your choosing. May his memory bring joy to those who knew him.