Robert C Harrison, Jr.

Danville - Robert C Harrison Jr , 89, was born May 3rd, 1933 in Cayuga, Indiana, to the late Robert C Harrison Sr. and Sylvia Louise (Macy) Harrison Shonyo. He attended Cayuga schools and graduated from Schlarman High school.

As a young man, he worked with his beloved Uncle Dink and Aunt Opal as a farrier and horse trainer in Florida and Indianapolis. He met the love of his life, Ruth Audrey Campbell at the age of 13 at St. Elizabeth Hospital where she worked as a "tray girl". They married August 9, 1958, in Danville. Following graduation he joined the United States Marines.  He was very proud of his service as an Embassy Guard in London, where he made several life-long friends. He and Ruth attended many Marine Embassy Guard Association conventions.

 Bob retired after 20 faithful years of service in the Marines.  Besides being in the diplomatic corps, he was an explosive ordnance technician with nuclear and biological warfare certifications.  He served 2 tours of duty in Vietnam, earning the Combat Action Ribbon and many other awards.  

 Following his service to our country, Bob was an administrator of Danville Manor, a home for disabled adults. He also owned and operated the Bismarck Cafe.

He then returned to school and became an Xray Technician, working with his wife and daughter at St. Elizabeth/United Samaritans Hospital.

In retirement, Bob and Ruth enjoyed travel and their grandchildren.

Bob and Ruth were involved in the incorporation of Bismarck: it was their home, and he served as its first appointed mayor.  

Bob was known to family and friends as a great cook. He owned a large collection of cookbooks. Bob also loved history and teased his grandchildren that he crossed the Alps with Hannibal and helped to build Hadrian's wall in ancient Britain. 

He was a loving father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. 

He leaves behind his four children:  Megan Brady 

(grandsons Jeremiah and Benjamin), Anna (Thomas) Kukla, Mary (Scott) Tague, and Robert "Perry" Harrison, also, a very special nephew, Michael Givens and many other nieces and nephews.

He is survived by stepsisters Shirley Birdsill of Kansas and Louise Fielder of Colorado.

He is preceded by his loving wife and best friend, Ruth (01/05/23), also his stepfather and step brother Lloyd M. Shonyo Sr and Jr, all of his in-laws and a nephew, David Campbell and niece Nancy Johnson.  

You are no longer where you were, but you are everywhere we are. We love you Daddy. 

A Service to Celebrate the Life of Robert C. Harrison, Jr. will be held at 12:00 PM on Wednesday, February 1, 2023 at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 3940 N. Vermilion St., Danville, IL 61834. Burial will follow at Danville National Cemetery where military rites will be performed by the American Legion Post #210. Visitation will be held from 11:30 AM -12:00 PM prior to the service, also at Sunset in Danville.  

Please join Bob’s family in sharing memories, photos, and video of his life through his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.