Robert L. "Bob" Harvey

Robert L. "Bob" Harvey, 88, of Robinson, IL, died December 24, 2020, at Arbor Rose of Robinson. He was born on January 22, 1932, in Robinson, IL, the son of Prior & Gladys (Gupton) Harvey, both of whom preceded him in death. He married Charlene 'Char' Harvey in Fort Worth, TX, on December 22, 1951, and she preceded him in death on July 30, 2008. He was also preceded in death by his grandson, Tanner Harvey; by his sister & brother-in-law, Betty & William Hussey, Sr.; and by his niece and nephew-in-law, Vivian & Gary Roberts. He is survived by his wife, Patricia (Reiser) Harvey; by his children, Robert C. Harvey & Andrea Deckard (Robinson, IL) and Thomas P. & Delila Harvey (Evansville, IN), Sara Jane Zinn (Henderson, KY), and Mary Ann & Harry Barkerding (New Orleans, LA); by his grandchildren, Tucker, Nicole, Erin, Alex, Dylen, Harvey, and Lil Harry; by two great-grandchildren, Ezra and Winslow; as well as several in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends, including his favorite traveling companion, Mervin Bonesteel. Bob grew up in the Robinson area, where he attended grade school (graduating from Lincoln Grade School in 1946) and high school (graduating with the RHS Class of 1951). Out of school, he enlisted into the service and proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy on the U.S.S. Boxer during the Korean War. Following his honorable discharge in 1955, he enrolled in the David Ranken School of Refrigeration Technology, and here, learned skills that would serve him well for the rest of his life. In 1963, he started Harvey Refrigeration before purchasing Robinson Sheet Metal in 1964, which he owned and operated until 1975. Following the sale of his business, he became an instructor at Lincoln Trail College in the Air Conditioning/Refrigeration Dept. and taught here for many years before his retirement. Bob's twilight years often found him bow hunting or hitting the greens with golf clubs in tow. One of the great pleasures of this season of his life was restoring old Packards. Char always said that the man could fix anything (that is, except a TV!) He was also active in his community. In addition to the Robinson/Palestine Water Commission Board, Bob was also a member of the Robinson Moose and Elks Lodges, the Lion's Club, the Fred Bear Archery Club, as well as the Crawford County Collectables Car Club. Professionally, he belonged to the Plumbers and Steamfitters Local Union #157 and was a Past President of the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES). It was apparent that Bob exemplified the quote, "A job worth doing is worth doing right", as he applied this principle in every facet of his life. In our loss, we think of his legacy of excellence in all things, and of the doors that we have opened that could never have been reached in life, if it were not for standing on his steady, capable shoulders. Due to the newly-increased public safety measures being enforced by the State of Illinois, funeral services will be private. However, a live stream of his service will be available to the public starting at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 29th. This can be done on Goodwine Funeral Homes' Facebook page or by going to https://www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com/live-stream/live-stream . Bob will be laid to rest in the Robinson New Cemetery. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson is in charge of arrangements.