Robert D. "Bob" Inboden

Robert D. "Bob" Inboden, age 81, passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home at Mt. Vernon, IL on November 9, 2023. Bob was born on September 9, 1942, in Robinson, IL, and grew up in Oblong, IL, where he was part of the Oblong High School Class of 1960. Bob was a master carpenter, and he was committed to perfection through his 33 years of quality work with Carpenters Local #2253. Though he retired from the union in 1997, he stayed busy with his own business, Boborsons Construction, and worked as a contractor for a total of 26 years before finally retiring in 2017. Throughout his career, Bob proved to be something of a professor of his trade, turning complex projects into masterpieces thanks to his attention to detail.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Bob was an ardent outdoorsman. He may be notably remembered for his lifelong dedication to and love for hunting, marked by his specific affinity for coon hunting. Bob not only raised and sold coon dogs but garnered awards and accolades for his tremendous talent. In recent years, he expanded his hunting repertoire by embracing deer hunting and was a master at hunting morels. His zest for the wilderness was also reflected through a passion for fishing, a pastime he enjoyed alongside a number of friends. Unsurprisingly, Bob was a member of the Wabash Valley Coonhunters Club in Robinson, the Mt. Vernon Gun & Sportsman Club, and the Goshen Trail Longrifle Club. He was also a member of the Mt. Vernon Elks Lodge #819 and volunteered with Meals on Wheels in Mt. Vernon and at the Jefferson County Historical Village, where he served as a guide and pitched in wherever help was needed.

Bob was also a trained HAM radio operator who enjoyed sharing his knowledge through teaching HAM radio classes. This was perhaps surprising to many, as educators are known for their patience...and Bob was not! His impatience may very well have been born out of his outstanding, almost photographic memory, which undoubtedly forged in him an analytical approach to life's intricacies.

That being said, as exceptional as his work and attention to detail were, Bob Inboden will also be remembered for his generous spirit and heartfelt care for those in need. He would routinely stop whatever he was doing if he saw that he could lend someone a hand. He was known to give others not just his time but his talents as well, and in so doing, made the world a better place. Bob's generosity of spirit reflected his dedication as a follower of Jesus. He was baptized at Highland Avenue Baptist Church in August of 1968, and because of his faith, we find hope and assurance that today, he is at home with his Lord.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford Earnest Inboden, Sr. & Mary Deborah (Rich) Inboden; his sisters, Barbara Ann Inboden (in infancy) and Patricia Rich; his brothers, Ronald Eugene Inboden (in infancy), Donald "Doc" Inboden, Clifford E. Inboden, Jr., and Roger B. Inboden; and by his daughter-in-law, Jamie Inboden.

Since 1999, he has found companionship with Margaret "Nancy" (Charleton) Crabill, and the two were married on March 23, 2020. She survives. He is also survived by his children & their spouses, Doug Inboden, Sherri & Mike Napier, and Gary & Joey Inboden; by his grandchildren, Dylan Inboden, Christopher Helmouth, Josh Helmouth, and Randie & Jeremy Huglett; by his step-children, Mark & Stacie Goodheart, Tom & Jill Goodheart, and Tammy Bergman; by his step-grandchildren, Chelsea & Steven Endenfield, James Bergman, Mackenzie Goodheart, Madison Goodheart, and Morgan Goodheart; by three great-grandchildren and three step-great-grandchildren; by his good friend and former wife, Esther Inboden; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A time of visitation will be held from 10:00-11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 15th, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. A funeral service will immediately follow at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, with Brother Gene Ellis officiating. Burial will be in the Prier-Shire Cemetery, rural Stoy, IL. Memorial contributions may be made to the "St. Jude Children's Research Hospital", with envelopes available at the funeral home.