Robert "Bob" S. Wells

On Saturday, January 19, 2019, Robert "Bob" S. Wells passed away peacefully at home with his family. Bob was born in Palestine, Illinois on August 28, 1931 the son of the late George and Gladys (Midgett) Wells. He was a graduate of Palestine High School in 1949. After high school, he joined the U.S. Navy and served his country from 1950-1954 during the Korean War. Bob studied accounting at Vincennes University in Indiana for two years. On July 14, 1957, he married Kathryn V. Harris. During their first couple years of marriage, Bob operated the DX gas station "On the Curve" in Palestine. In 1962, he took a job with the Pontiac Correctional Center and moved his family to Pontiac, Illinois. A few years later, he was hired by the Pontiac Postal Service where he stayed until he retired in 1990. After 25 years at the Postal Service and no missed work due to illness, Bob was receiving an award for commendable and dedicated service, but alas, that was the one and only day he was sick! Towards the end of his retirement, he and his son Robby delivered the Chicago Tribune for more than 20 years. After retirement, Bob volunteered at OSF St. James Hospital in Pontiac where he loved meeting and talking with so many people. Bob didn’t know a stranger. Bob is survived by his wife, Kathryn and son, Robby (Saunemin); two daughters, Kelly (Mike) Herr (Plainfield) and Julie (late Richard) Yeager; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and his favorite dog, Jeannie. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, and one sister. Bob loved fishing in Minnesota, watching Bulls games, and helping his grandchildren keep their automobiles in top shape. He was an avid clock collector and enjoyed bird watching, talking with people, working outdoors in the yard, but mostly loved God and taking care of his family. A visitation for Bob will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 24th at the Pontiac Bible Church, located at 1611 W. Reynolds St. in Pontiac, IL, where a Celebration of Bob's Life will be conducted at 11:00 a.m., officiated by Pastor Jarrod Bartholomew. Aqua Cremation rites have been accorded. Locally, there will be a visitation held from 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 26, 2019 at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine. An inurnment and graveside service will immediately follow at the Oak Grove Cemetery, where military services will be conducted by the combined units of the Robinson V.F.W. Post #4549, the Robinson American Legion Post #69, and the Flat Rock American Legion Post #132. His family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made in Bob's name to the “Pontiac Bible Church” or the “Saunemin Fire and Rescue Squad”, with envelopes available at the funeral home.