Robert R. Bigford

Robert R. “ Bob” Bigford, 81, of Rock Island, passed away Monday September 17, 2018 at Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House, Bettendorf.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, Milan. Burial, with military honors presented by the Milan American Legion Post 569, will be at Calvary Cemetery, Rock Island. Visitation will be held 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, 201 E. 4th Ave., Milan. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Milan American Legion.

Robert was born May 12, 1937 in Moline, the son of Ray and Susan Cloyd Bigford. He graduated from Alleman High School, Class of 1956. Robert married Louise M. De Pooter on February 7, 1959 in Moline.

Bob was employed with Oscar Mayer for 37 years. He also served on the Rock Island County Board for 15 years. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army National Guard and Reserves.

Bob was a member of St. Ambrose Catholic Church, Milan, where he was a former Eucharistic Minister and usher. He was a member and past grand knight of St. Ambrose Knights of Columbus. Other memberships include Milan American Legion, Viking Club, and golden member of Friends Circle. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, and most of all, being with family and friends.

Bob was recognized as a Community Hero by the John Deere Classic in 2017 for his many decades of volunteer service with the John Deere Classic, his church, area organizations, and his support of Special Persons Encounters Christ.

Surviving are his wife, Louise, of Rock Island; children (and spouses), Robert (Michelle) Bigford, Viola, Valerie Prouty, Bettendorf, Karen (Steve) Goff, Sterling, Ill., Jessica (Russ) Adamson, Milan, and Sergeant First Class Bradley (Becky) Bigford, Andalusia; 11 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; sisters, Jackie Caudill, East Moline, and Ruth Sarley, La Harpe, Ill.; and many nieces, nephews, and additional family.

He was preceded in death by his parents and son-in-law, Jack Prouty.

 

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