Robert E. Altman

Robert E. Altman, 79, of Danville passed away at 10:40 pm on Wednesday, December 26, 2012 at Presence United Samaritans Medical Center in Danville. He was born on October 28, 1933 in Hope, Illinois to James and Lucille Altman. On March 7, 1953 he married Wilma Jean Downey of Danville. Bob was a devoted husband, and together they shared an extraordinary marriage until Jean's passing in 2009. Bob is survived by a son from a previous marriage, Larry Edward Williams of Springfield, MO and his wife Joyce Ann Williams; a grand-daughter, Christa Dawn Estes of Nixa, MO, and her husband, Dr. Preston Clark Estes; and four great granddaughters, Jacqueline Elise Estes, Audrey Elizabeth Estes, Hillary Elaine Estes, and Sophia Ellison Estes; a brother, Bud Cross of the Chicago area and his wife Alice Cross; two sisters, Lucy Shaw of Vermilion County and Janie Archambault of St. Petersburg, FL and her husband, Jim; and many special cousins, nieces and nephews, and dear friends. In addition to his wife, Bob was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, James Martin Altman. Bob enjoyed a lengthy career at General Motors until his retirement after 30 years of service. Bob accepted Christ as his savior and worshiped at First Church of the Nazarene. For years he was active in the Friendship Sunday School Class at the church. Bob loved his hometown and was proud to have lived his entire life in Vermilion County. During his years of retirement, he enjoyed travel around the United States and several trips to Europe and a once-in-a-lifetime tour of Israel with his wife, son and granddaughter. Bob was an avid Cubs fan and enjoyed driving his Corvette. He loved to play card games with his wife and several close friends. He loved to collect coins, watches and clocks. His greatest joy was in the exceptional marriage to Jean, and his family. A service to celebrate the life of Robert Altman will be held at 11 A.M. on Monday, December 31, 2012 at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, a Life Celebration Home in Danville. Pastor Ken Pavlick will officiate. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park in Danville. Visitation will be held from 3-5 P.M. on Sunday, December 30, also at Sunset in Danville. Memorials may be made to the First Church of the Nazarene in Danville. Please join Bob's family in sharing memories, photos, and videos of his life through his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com