Frank & Bright Funeral Home
Robert Grubaugh
Sep 3rd, 1922 - Oct 15th, 2015Robert L. Grubaugh, age 93, of Flora, Illinois, passed away Thursday, October 15, 2015, at Good Samaritan Regional Health Center in Mt. Vernon.
Bob was born September 3, 1922, in Robinson, the son of Everett E. and Della (Gaines) Grubaugh. He was united in marriage to Helen Burcham on December 27, 1946, in Robinson, and she preceded him in death April 10, 1959. He later married Ruth Hampsten in April 1978. Ruth preceded him in death December 28, 1996. Sgt. Grubaugh honorably served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He earned a degree from Eastern Illinois Teachers College (now EIU) and was a student teacher before earning a master’s degree from the University of Illinois. His interest in creative tinkering and inventing led him on the path to become an entrepreneur, and Bob moved his family to Clay County to develop Floral Garden of Memories Cemetery. He was involved in opening the Chalet dress & beauty shop, and operated the Quasar Club. After relocating to Arkansas, he and Ruth purchased a peach and apple orchard, and wintered in Florida. He was a 50-year member of the Elks, and had been a 32nd degree Mason and a Shriner. He was of the Presbyterian Faith.
He is survived by 3 children: Thomas L. (Libby) Grubaugh of Geneva, Nancy L. Lewis of Flora, and Jane A. (Todd) Wood of Flora; 7 grandchildren: Jessica, Katherine, and John Grubaugh, Adam Lewis, Aja Wood, Talia Moore, and Ian Wood; and 3 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wives: Helen Grubaugh and Ruth Grubaugh; 2 sisters: Frances Grubaugh and Geneil McDaniel; and a granddaughter: Sarah Wood.
A memorial service for Robert L. Grubaugh will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, October 17, 2015, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora. Interment will follow in Floral Garden of Memories Cemetery with military honors. A visitation will be held from 1-2 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association and will be accepted at the funeral home. To share a memory or condolence, visit www.frankandbright.com