Robert E. Tidwell

Robert E. "Bob" Tidwell, 77, of Palestine, IL, died January 28, 2022, at the Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, IL. He was born December 19, 1944, in Flora, IL, the son of Carley Franklin and Myrtle B. (Jenkins) Tidwell, both of whom preceded him in death. He married LaDonna Jean (Barrick) on October 11, 1981, and she preceded him in death on November 25, 2012. He was also preceded in death by his son, Donnie Hyre; by his stepson, Lyndal Sork; two sisters, Rosie Willis and Nora Durbin; and three brothers, Frank, Richard, and Walter Tidwell. He is survived by his daughters & sons-in-law, Lora Hyre (Robinson, IL) Connie Ramsey, Donna Sue Hyre, Dessie & Scott Carr (all of Palestine, IL), and Kathy & Theron Carpenter (Robinson, IL); by his daughter-in-law, Debbie Hyre (Robinson, IL); by his stepson, Dave Sico (Norris City, IL); by several grandchildren & great-grandchildren; by three sisters, Alice Ashley (Old Town, FL), Linda Harrelson (Norris City, IL), and Carol Smith (Norris City, IL); by his brother, George Tidwell (Norris City, IL); by several nieces and nephews; as well as his best friend and beloved four-legged companion, his dog Rowdy. Bob grew up in Norris City, IL, and would go on to proudly serve his country in the U.S. Air Force. This season of life found him working on jet fighters, work that eventually led to significant hearing loss. In fact, it wasn't uncommon for him to blare a Johnny Horton tune while trying (unsuccessfully) to carry on a conversation in the car! Not long after his honorable discharge from military service, he became a boilermaker, finding work with Local #374. He was involved with many other local organizations as well, such as the Robinson American Legion Post #69 and the Palestine Eagles. An avid sportsman, he was also a longtime member of the Eastern Illinois Sportsmen's Club and the Wabash Valley Coon Club. When he wasn't out shooting or fishing, chances were that Bob could be found experiencing the freedom of the open road on his Honda Goldwing or Harley Davidson motorcycles. A penny poker and euchre enthusiast, his love of playing cards was well-known, as was his storytelling ability. After all, few things brought him more joy than bringing the past to life through his particular brand of oral narration. Those he leaves behind will remember Bob as a man who gave much of himself to support his beloved family. Though he could be more than a little stubborn at times, his golden heart still couldn't help but shine through. May we remember his 77 years with a spirit of thanksgiving, reflecting on the life he lived and the love we shared. A time of visitation will be held from 3:00-5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 2nd, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine. **The family kindly requests that all attendees wear masks while inside the funeral home.** Cremation will follow the visitation, and burial will be held at a later date in the Oak Grove Cemetery. Memorials may be made to either the "Crawford County Humane Society" or the "American Cancer Society", with envelopes available at the funeral home.