Robert W. Paulsgrove, Sr.

Robert W. Paulsgrove Sr. passed away at 8:00 pm on May 24, 2017 at OSF Holy Family Medical Center in Monmouth, Illinois. Robert was born on October 10th, 1934 in the small Midwest town of Abingdon, Ill., the son of Lester Paulsgrove and Mary Hadley. His life was marked by an appreciation for the simple things - picking a blackberry from the backyard, packing the RV for a cross-country trip, or maybe just a walk around the block with his partner in life, Patty. Bob and Pat Redding were married in December of 1953 in Monmouth, the beginning of a lifelong devotion. They met through his best friend, who was dating Patty’s sister at the time. Bob worked in the Gales factory in Galesburg (where he would retire in 1982 after 30 years on the job). He was a dead shot rabbit hunter, and loved riding horses. Bob and Patty would often hop on his motorcycle and spend the afternoon at the movie theatre or the races, but it was the arrival of Robert Jr. (1955) and Nancy (1961) when Bob found his true calling in life - family. Kids led to grandkids, which led to great-grandkids. When everyone came together for a birthday or the holidays, it was always a comforting sight to see Bob sitting in his familiar spot at the kitchen table (especially if there was a fish fry that day). When he needed a moment to himself, Bob would escape to his workshop in the basement, or the upstairs room where he stored his impressive collection of movies. A conversation with Bob was a chance to learn something (even if it was a corny joke). He was thoughtful and often pensive, giving you the sense that he wanted to hear every word you said. He was a man of faith, and enjoyed fellowship with the people of his longtime spiritual home, Immanuel Baptist Church. When Bob started feeling ill a few weeks ago, he was admitted to the hospital where he was forced to stay overnight. Throughout his time there, Bob would frequently ask if he could go home that day. And finally, on May 24th after weeks of treatment and bad hospital food, Bob returned home surrounded by family. A few hours later, he would pass away at the age of 82. He is preceded in death by his brother, Lester Lewis, Jr. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 63 years, Patty; son, Bob Jr. and wife Sharon; daughter, Nancy; four grandchildren, Erin, Caleb, Sean, Madyson; three great-grandchildren, Olyvia, Allison, Felix; older sister, Mary; three younger siblings, JoAnn, Chary, Gary and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

A visitation will be held Tuesday, May 30, from 5-7 p.m. at Turnbull Funeral Home in Monmouth, Ill. A funeral is scheduled at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 31, at Turnbull Funeral Home. Interment will be in Warren County Memorial Park Cemetery. A memorial fund has been established for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. To leave a condolence or for more information please visit www.turnbullfuneralhomes.com