Robert Lee Dermont

He was born on May 21, 1938 in Persia Township, NY the son of the late William Phillip and Florance (Allen) Dermont. He married Mae Bernice Lorenzen on April 10, 1965 in Champaign, IL and she preceded him in death in 2017.

Robert had served in the United States Air Force from 1957 to 1961. He worked as a motorcycle mechanic at Kickstand Cycle Sales and later Dave’s Cycle Sales. In between there he owned and operated a Phillips 66 gas station in Springfield. He later owned and operated Springfield Small Engine Repair. He was a member of Cotton Hill Methodist Church, the Chummy Chainers Square Dancing Club, A.B.A.T.E., and the American Legion, and the Vintage Iron Riders.

He is survived by his children, Freida Keiffer and Melinda Lowder, both of Springfield; step-children, L. Marvin (wife Linda) Hagmann of Oklahoma, Cheryl Belcher of Decatur, IL, Susan Hefley of Villa Grove, IL, Peggy (husband Elmer) Betancourt of New Mexico, and Sandy McQuality of Springfield; 18 grandchildren and step-grandchildren, Brad, Gabe, Leslie, Hans, Jamie, Elisa, Melissa, Jeremy, Brian, Bert, Janna, Patrick, Trisha, Christopher, Jared, Justin, Madison, and Keyan; 38 great-grandchildren, and 3 great great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by a brother Roger Dermont; a sister June Coe; a step-son Robert Hagmann; a step- daughter-in-law Helen Hagmann; and a step-son-in-law Ron Belcher.

Arrangements are under the direction of Bisch and Son Funeral Home, 505 E. Allen, Springfield where a visitation will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2024 from 1 pm till time of the funeral service at 4 pm. Cremation rites will then be accorded and inurnment will be held on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 at 12 Noon at Camp Butler National Cemetery with military honors provided by the U.S. Air Force and the Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, A.P.L. (Animal Protective League), or Cotton Hill Methodist Church.