Robert Dean Colby

Danville - Robert "Bob" Dean Colby Sr., 74, passed away on Friday April 15, 2016 at 8:18pm at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, IL with his family by his side, after a brief illness. He was born on September 11, 1941 at home in Danville, IL, the son of Elmer & Frieda (Kistler) Colby. Bob married Inge Christensen (Mathis) on August 20, 1988 in Danville. Bob is survived by his mother; wife; children Robert Dean (Julie) Colby Jr., Dawn Marie Alvey, and William Joseph Colby; step-children Johnny (Pam) Mathis, Michael (Christine) Mathis, Lisa Ann (Shawn) Howard, and Paul (Marina) Mathis; 18 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; brothers Don (Delfina) Colby, Rick (Judy) Colby, Greg (Janet) Colby, and Terry Colby; many aunts, uncles, nieces, & nephews. His best buddy as a child was his Uncle Norman as they were only 3 months apart in age. He is preceded in death by his father. Bob was very active in the Order of the Arrow in Boy Scouts as a young man. He graduated from Danville High School in 1959. During high school he was the co-captain of the football team and went to all state, he was a member of the acapella choir, fall concert, moments musical, and swim team where he won many medals. Bob attended Northwestern University where he was also on the football team. Bob was employed as a Journeyman Lineman for 50 years. He worked predominantly out of IBEW Union Local 51 as well as Illinois Power Company and several union halls in Indiana and Illinois. He used to drive around all over and admire the power lines he had a hand in building. Bob was a member of Farmers Chapel UMC and enjoyed singing in the choir. He loved playing guitar and entertaining his many friends on camping trips with his music. Bob loved nature and being outdoors. He enjoyed bow hunting, mushroom hunting, and horseback riding. Bob will be greatly missed by his dog Abby along with his wife and the rest of his family. Visitation will be held on Saturday April 23, 2016 from 1-3pm at Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center. Service will follow at 3pm at the funeral home. Interment is private. Memorial donations may be made in Bob's name to Farmers Chapel United Methodist Church. Please join his family in sharing memories, photos, and videos on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.

Visitation Apr 23, 2016 Saturday, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center 3940 N. Vermilion Street Danville, IL 61834 Service Apr 23, 2016 Saturday, 3:00 PM Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center 3940 N. Vermilion Street Danville, IL 61834

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