Robert H. Mathis, 89, of Urbana, Illinois, an incredible family man, passed away peacefully in his home on September 20, 2026, with his loving wife and best friend, Joan, by his side.

Bob was born on November 11, 1936, to Harold and Beulah (Bunting) Mathis in the corner of the living room of their family farmhouse.

At 16, Joan was hooked instantly by “those dimples.” She and Bob married on November 28, 1952, and spent the next 73 years building a beautiful life together. They raised five children: Bob (Debbie) Mathis, Ken (Deb) Mathis, Rick (Valerie) Mathis, Cathy (Lyndall) Propst, and Nina (Mike) Pankau.

Bob had a fulfilling career spanning nearly 35 years as a semi-truck driver, working for Meadow Gold Milk, Terminal Transfer, and Nussbaum Trucking. He then spent 17 years at Carle Health as a bus driver, where he brought a welcoming smile to every shuttle stop. He rounded out his career working for the family business, Mack’s Twin City Recycling, as a semi-truck driver.

Bob was an active member of his church, Community Free Church of Mahomet, and loved camping. Countless memories were made with his grandchildren, close friends, and community at the Champaign Sportsman’s Club in Mahomet.

Over the years, Bob and Joan enjoyed traveling to see their favorite Southern Gospel group, Triumphant Quartet. Along the way, they made wonderful friends who will always hold a special place in their hearts. One of Bob’s favorite songs was Triumphant Quartet’s cover of “Chain Breaker.”

But perhaps Bob’s greatest legacy is found in the people who knew and loved him. His kindness, warmth, and genuine care for others touched countless lives and created a legacy that will live on through his family, friends, and community. He was the kind of person who made people feel welcome, whether they were family, a friend at the campground, a neighbor, or someone stepping onto his bus.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Joan; all five of his children; his brother, Chuck; 13 grandchildren (James, Sarah (Kevin), Andy (Stephanie), Corey (Marcia), Lucas, Jamie (Jared), Jake (Heather), Austin, Aaron, Alex (Candice), Sammie (Sam), Jackie (Cory), and Zach (Jolene)); and 20 great-grandchildren (Eli, Lucy, Mackenna, Rhodie, Katelynn, Gavin, Jaxon, Jace, Jett, Jade, Addisyn, Jayden, Rylee, Blakely, AJ, Natalie, Johnathon, Genevieve, Coraline, and Eliza).

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Beulah; his brothers, Tom and Jim; and his grandson, Charlie.

The family would like to extend incredible gratitude to Town Square Hospice, as well as the medical providers and neighbors who provided exceptional support and care. A visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 25, with a service at 11:00 a.m., both at Community Free Church of Mahomet.

Charitable contributions can be made in honor of Bob to St. Jude Children’s Hospital and WGNN Radio.