Robert "Bob" Nethery

Robert "Bob" Nethery, 87, of Oblong, IL, passed away on Tuesday, October 31, 2023, at Timbercreek Village in Robinson, IL. He was born on September 22, 1936, in Palestine, IL. His upbringing on a farm south of Palestine ignited his deep and life-long love for animals. Horses, in particular, held a special place in his heart. Bob's love for the land carried over into his professional pursuits as he dedicated many years of his life aiding Mac McCoy on his farm, with an emphasis on tending to the livestock.

A skilled kilnman, he worked at Briggs Pottery for over three decades, a testament to his productive nature. In short, his (oversized) hands were always busy! He had a knack for improvisation, often fixing or 'jerry-rigging' items (even if they weren't broken). He spent innumerable hours tinkering on his lawn mower, which he put to good use later in life. In fact, many a resident of Oblong treasured their perfectly trimmed greens courtesy of Bob. His dedicated service extended to mowing the lawn of Cornerstone Wesleyan Church, where he worshipped his Lord and Savior.

Bob wasn't all work, all the time, however. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed camping, whether at Hickory Holler or occasionally at Kentucky Lake, where he would spend hours with a rod and reel in hand. These outings would almost always find this pyromaniac building and poking and simply messing around with a campfire around which family and friends would gather. These moments provided Bob with countless happy memories, as well as opportunities to peck and poke fun at those he loved most in this world. But for as much as he liked to give others grief, he was delighted when they gave it right back to him! May we all continue to give Bob a reason to smile as we take the many lessons he has taught us to make our lives more productive and meaningful in his memory and as his legacy.

He is survived by his sons & daughters-in-law, Rod & Stacy Nethery, Robbie & Theresa Nethery, and Rick & Beth Nethery; by his grandchildren, Jodi & Nick Beavers, Erica & Josh Hatfield, Tyler & Taylor Nethery, Stephanie & Scott Snell, Katie Turkal, and Becca Nethery; by his great-grandchildren, Ashyln Hatfield, Rhett Nethery, Alayna Lingafelter, Alivia Lingafelter, and James Lingafelter; as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, LaRae Nethery; his parents, Stoy Ralph & Ena M. (Houser) Nethery; his brothers, Bill Nethery, Wayne Nethery, Warren Nethery, John Nethery, and Wendell "Ralph" Nethery; and his sisters, Maryanna Eveland and Mildred Nethery.

It was Bob's wish to be cremated, and the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson is in charge of these arrangements. There will be a visitation from 9:30-10:30 a.m. followed by a memorial service at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, November 6th, at the Cornerstone Wesleyan Church, 106 W. Missouri St. in Oblong, with Pastor Phil Boyd officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the "Cornerstone Wesleyan Church".