Robert B. Nathan

Robert B. Nathan, 69, of Effingham, IL, passed away on Friday, November 11, 2022, in the comfort of his home. He was born on March 18, 1953, in Alexandria, VA, the son of Robert M. & Gloria (Brandt) Nathan, both of whom preceded him in death. He married Tambra O'Hara on November 17, 1988, and she preceded him in death on May 31, 2019.

He is survived by his children, Cindy Nathan-Robinson, Tucker O'Hara, Tyler & Curtis Bailey, Taylor Nathan, Turner Nathan; by his grandkids, Olivia Robinson, Sophia Robinson, Madison O'Hara, Sydni Bailey, Emma Bailey, Lydia Moody, Joshua Moody, Laynie Moody, Brantley Bailey, Landon O'Hara; three sisters & brothers-in-law, Barbara Nathan, Leslie & Paul Brown, and Amanda & Ray Montoya; by his nieces, Jenny Montoya and Leslie Montoya; and by his sister-in-law, Rinda O'Hara.

Robert grew up in the Miami, FL, area and was a graduate of Southwest Miami High School. It was in Florida that he developed a deep appreciation for the beach and the ocean. So deep was his love of the ocean that he became a professional scuba diver! Not only did Robert explore the hidden depths off the coast of Florida, but he also traveled to destinations like Cozumel to dive as well. It could be said that if he was interested in something, Robert was all-in! This was apparent in his passion for trivia, as he daily played trivia games on his phone and attended many a trivia night at Buffalo Wild Wings. His interest in thriller/suspense novels led him to read countless works by authors like Tom Clancy and Dean Koontz. When he wasn't reading, he fully invested himself in current events and politics by watching Fox News and initiating conversations with anyone willing to participate.

Something of a breakfast connoisseur, Robert loved nothing more than making breakfast for his family, who could all attest to the fact that the man was a pancake master! This particular skill may have come from his career as a Cracker Barrel manager. Over the course of nearly 30 years with the restaurant, Robert managed four locations in North Carolina, Indiana, and Illinois before finally retiring. However, retirement didn't quite suit him, and he realized that he needed to get back to work to stay active. And so, he became a stock crew supervisor at the local Save-a-Lot, a part-time job that he truly enjoyed, as did those who worked under him, who could speak to the man's light-hearted and ornery nature! Though he always had a witty comeback, it won't be his humor that we'll remember most, but his loving-kindness. He made it clear that his kids and grandkids were his life, making every effort to not only provide for their needs but to make time for them as well. In so doing, he left a treasure trove of memories that we will cherish for as long as we live. We are thankful for these, as well as the assurance that we will see him again. Recently baptized, Robert gave his life to Christ, who made death but a doorway into eternal life.

It was Robert's wish to be cremated, and the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson is in charge of these arrangements. Memorials may be made to his memorial fund, with checks made payable to "Goodwine Funeral Homes".

His family will conduct a memorial service at a date yet to be determined.