Robert Lewis

Robert (Bob) Howard Lewis of Champaign, 94, passed away on February 7, 2026, at home surrounded by his loved ones. He was born May 10, 1931, in Gary, Indiana, to Morris and Miriam Lewis. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Janice Goldin, and his son, Douglas Alan Lewis.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Emily, whom he married on March 17, 1979, their five children, Mary Hays (Michael Hoag) of White Heath; Robert Hays of Champaign, Laura Bollman (Tommy Keller) of Urbana; Rebecca Woodard (Lorenzo) of Champaign; Elisabeth Barclay (John) of Champaign; his nine grandchildren, Chandra Foglove (Lila Garcia); Dylan Heath (Michelle Back); Alexsis Johnson (Julian Clark); Jordan Johnson (Natasha McDonnald); Monica Rondon (Paula); Justin Rondon (Jocielle); Chelsea Crippin (Bobby); Ellis Hoag (Devashri Nagarkar); Stephanie Bollman; and six great-grandchildren, Kayleigh, Cora, Rime, Ronin, Stormi, and Jaxon.

He is also survived by his nephew, Marc Goldin (Deana) of Chicago, and his nieces, Lynn Goldin (Hank Birnkrant) of Bethesda, Maryland, and Sandy Steinbrecher of Chicago.

Bob served in the United States Army during the Korean War. He was a lifelong member of the AMVETS of Elliot, Illinois. He earned a BA and an MBA from Eastern Illinois University. Bob was the Production Manager for Corn Country Whole Foods and worked for several years in sales. In his later years, Bob worked with Emily at the Freeman Fellows Program at the U of I.

Bob had a deep love of music dating back to his Hirsch High School days in Chicago, where he started his band, Bob Lewis and the Sentimentalists. In Champaign, he played in the Parkland Community Band and the State Street Strutters. He also played with the D. R. Dixie Band and Bud’s Band, performing at community events like Taste of Champaign, Friday Night Live, and weekly in local nursing and retirement homes until 2020, when he was 89. One of Bob’s greatest joys was sharing his love of music. His family loved dancing to the beautiful sound of his clarinet. Bob ensured his musical legacy would live on by giving music lessons to five of his grandchildren, including Justin Rondon, who performs locally. He also donated many of his beloved instruments to the Mo’ Betta Band.

Bob was a dog lover. He worked with his boxer, Flag, who earned numerous obedience trophies. Flag, Shiner, Jake, Shadow, Sam, and Shayna were waiting for him at the Rainbow Bridge, while his beloved Rosie watches over Emily for him.

In his retirement, Bob never slowed down and traveled extensively. He and Emily toured the Midwest with the Freeman Fellows Program at the U of I, introducing the scholars to American culture. Later, Bob and Emily travelled to China, where they were guests of the Freemen Fellow scholars, and to Korea for the Revisit Korea Program. Ellis, Bob’s grandson, accompanied him on a Korean War Veteran Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.

Bob and his family are forever grateful for Pondja and Christylena, who provided excellent and heartfelt care to Bob throughout his last years. They were selflessly dedicated and told us that Bob had a lasting positive effect on their lives. We all consider them family.

Bob’s family also appreciates the support received from countless others, including Deja, Becky, Rogena, Abby, Marc, and Dr. Webb.

Bob was a lifelong student; he loved watching PBS science and history programs and British mysteries. During his retirement, Bob participated in the Odyssey of the Mind Program at the U of I. His team placed third in the 2009 Odyssey of the Mind World Finals.

Bob was a master storyteller. Whether scaring his grandchildren with spooky stories around the campfire or describing the antics of his youth with lifelong friends who formed a club called the YAKS. Bob loved a good story. In his final years, he wrote and published his memoirs, The Luck of the Draw. Bob never knew a stranger, and when he met someone, he asked them, “What is your story?” No one liked a good (or bad) joke better than he did. He would tell them to anyone who would listen. His family often said Bob would tell a joke from his deathbed, and it proved true. Bob left a legacy of loyalty, love, and laughter that will live on with his family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Champaign County Humane Society or Mo Betta Band, now known as the Urbana Connection Center, 1401 E Main Street, Urbana, IL 61820.

Please join Bob’s family in sharing memories, photos and videos on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday February 17, 2026, beginning at 12:30pm at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center’s Champaign Chapel 710 N. Neil St. Champaign, IL. 61820. Please arrive between 12-12:30. A graveside service will follow at Eastlawn Cemetery in Urbana.

Arrangements have been made at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center's Champaign Chapel 710 N. Neil St. Champaign. IL. 61820.