Randall Burchard Roberts, age 70, of Galesburg, Illinois passed away on the evening of July 17, 2023, while at home and surrounded by family and friends. The son of R.B. and Nancy Roberts, he is survived by his wife of 48 years Patricia (Swearingen) Roberts; sisters, Loretta (Bernie) Stomberg, Betty (Terry) Hicks, and brother, Rick (Anna) Roberts, all from Galesburg, and sister, Brenda (Gary) Lindsey of East Galesburg.
Randy or R.B., as he was known by family and friends, grew up in Galesburg. He attended Galesburg High School (1971) and attended Carl Sandburg College. He worked for Butler Manufacturing, Gale Manufacturing, and the BNSF Railroad, where he spent 41 years as a brakeman and conductor. Randy retired to his farm in 2014, where he pursued farming and raising livestock. A lifelong endeavor he shared with both his father and grandfather and with whom he shared not only the name R.B. Roberts but their history of railroading as well.
While Randy grew up in Illinois, he was bound by his strong family roots in Hardinsburg, Kentucky, the birth place of both of his parents. With 12 pairs of aunts and uncles and 67 first cousins his family values were established by the incredibly close bonds held by that very large family. Not only the principles and moral values but his love of music. Especially the bluegrass and gospel music shared by all in the family and the drive it created for him to take up the mandolin later in his career. Randy was an avid traveler and music lover. He accomplished so many of his goals like attending music festivals, meeting well known musicians, traveling cross country by motorcycle and visiting both Europe and Asia. Later on, what he really enjoyed most was, like his father and grandfather, just being on his land and enjoying the day to day with his family. He was an experienced collector of antiques, memorabilia, and whatever took his fancy. He appreciated fine craftsmanship and it often showed in the pieces he chose.
He was a selfless and altruistic family man and friend and will be sorely missed by all those who loved him.
Randy is also survived by Linda and Anthony Enes of Silvis, Illinois, their children, Chad (Sarah) Enes of Silvis and Heather (Dan) Guise of Hampton, Illinois; nephews, Benjamin (Amanda) Stomberg of Galesburg and Jeremy (Christy Claus) Hicks of Winfield, Illinois; nieces, Andrea Hicks of Galesburg, Heather Stomberg of Woodridge, Illinois, Timathie Zavala of Johns Creek, Georgia, and Amber Turnquist of Clarksville, Tennessee; great nephews, Ryder Turnquist, Alijah Pederson, Callum Zavala, Josh Guise, Owen Zavala, Owen Enes, and Riley Hicks; and great nieces, Cameron and Taylor Guise, Audrey Zavala, Ashlyn Enes, Isabelle Hicks, and Hazel Brewer.
Visitation will be 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 25, 2023, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel. Funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. The burial will be in Warren County Hope Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make a charitable donation to the American Cancer Society, The American Diabetes Association or any charity of your choosing. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
