Robert Lee “Bob” Hastings, 86, of rural Louisville, IL died at 6:05 p.m. Saturday, February 2, 2013 after almost a two and a half year stay in the Long Term Care Unit at Richland Memorial Hospital in Olney, IL.

Mr. Hastings was born March 14, 1926 in Bible Grove, IL the son of Ralph C. and Ella E. Elston Hastings. He married Ruth Adelaide Cox of Flora on January 23, 1949. Bob and Ruth shared over sixty one years of marriage until she was called to her eternal home on April 30, 2010.

Bob enjoyed a lifetime of farming, almost forty years of pumping oil wells, volunteering for the American Red Cross in various ways including his regular blood donations, and serving for a time on the Clay County Farm Bureau Board of Directors and Extension Council. He and his wife were known for their produce, which they very much enjoyed sharing with family, neighbors and friends. Bob and Ruth enjoyed spending time in Branson, MO. He also enjoyed spending time at weekly livestock auctions through the years. Bob also served a short stint in the United States Navy.

Survivors include two sons and daughter-in-law, Jack and Jennie L. Hastings, and Warren Dale Hastings, all of rural Louisville; two grandsons and granddaughter-in-law, Kevin L. Hastings of Champaign, and Travis W. and Elizabeth M. Hastings of Effingham. He is also survived by brother-in-law John S. Cox and wife Jean Cox of Flora, and sister-in-law Leona Cox of Flora, six nieces and three nephews, many great nieces and nephews, and a host of friends.

Preceding him in death were his wife, parents, infant brother Hiser C. Hastings, in addition to brothers and sisters in law, Charles W. Cox, Mary L. and Oren F. Dennis, Martha K. and E. Berl Jennings, and Ruby E. Cox, all formerly of Flora.

Funeral services for Mr. Hastings will be Wednesday, February 6, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at the Frank & Bright Funeral Home with Reverend Brad Henson officiating. Music will be provided by Kevin and Travis Hastings. Burial will follow in Dillman Cemetery, Sailor Springs, IL with full military honors. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday February 5, 2013 and an hour before the funeral service on Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials can be made to Clay County Diabetes Support Group or the American Red Cross.