Robert "Bob" Powers

Robert “Bob” Powers, 66, of Annapolis, IL, passed away on February 22, 2025, at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis, IN. Born on May 15, 1958, in Chicago, IL, Bob’s early years were marked by the rhythm of change as his family moved from place to place before settling in Martinsville, IL. It was there that he laid the foundation for the hardworking, family-first man he would become. After graduating from Martinsville High School, Bob worked alongside his father in construction, learning the value of a hard day’s work—a lesson he carried throughout his life. A brief stint in the restaurant industry followed before he found his long-term career at Victor Dana, where he dedicated over 30 years, transitioning from the warehouse to maintenance before retiring.

But if you asked Bob why he worked so hard, the answer was simple: family. Everything he did, he did for them. His hands—calloused from labor—were the same hands that wrestled with his kids in rain puddles, built wooden signs with their help, and patiently taught them the skills he believed every person should know. Whether it was repair, construction, or “destruction,” Bob passed on more than practical knowledge—he passed on the confidence to tackle life head-on. He married the love of his life, Barbara Slane, on August 28, 1982, and together they built a home filled with laughter, love, and the kind of moments that become family legends. Bob had a knack for turning the mundane into the memorable, whether by mowing the lawn with a bra on his head (there are photos to prove it) or blaming household mishaps on the infamous “Ghost Ducky”—a playful scapegoat whose antics led to a collection of rubber ducks. With a quick wit and a talent for one-liners, Bob could lighten any mood and loved nothing more than sharing a laugh with those he loved.

When he wasn’t working or cracking jokes, Bob found peace in the great outdoors. Fishing was his favorite pastime—not for the catch, but for the calm it brought. Whether by a riverbank or a quiet pond, the act of casting a line was enough. In his younger days, he enjoyed hunting, but as the years passed, his love for nature found gentler expressions: tending his garden, landscaping his yard, and watching hummingbirds flit to and from the feeders he’d carefully hung. Animals of all kinds brought him joy—cats, rabbits, chipmunks—but his dogs held a special place in his heart.

A proud member of Marshall Lodge #133, Bob found camaraderie and purpose within the Freemasons, carrying their values of integrity, charity, and brotherhood into every aspect of his life. But above all, Bob’s greatest joy and achievement was his family. His love was the steady undercurrent of their lives—quiet but unwavering, humble yet profound. He was their provider, protector, and comedian-in-chief, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, laughter, and love that will echo for years to come.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara Powers; by his children, Tabitha Reneé Powers, Micheal Wayne Powers, and Robert Norman Jason Powers; by his brother and sister-in-law, Donald & Amber Powers; by his sisters-in-law, Martha Connely, Victoria Slane, and Patches Slane; and by many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph N. Powers and Betty J. (Gloecklie) Powers.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 26th, at the Prust-Hosch Funeral Home in West Union, IL. A Masonic service will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by a memorial service officiated by Steve Dolson.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Marshall Lodge #133 or Shriners Hospitals for Children . Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.