Robert Hudson “Bob” Lewis, 77, of London Mills, Illinois, passed away peacefully at 8:40 p.m. on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at Allure of Lake Storey in Galesburg, with his family by his side.
Bob was born on October 30, 1948, in Galesburg, the son of Earl Maxwell and Eileen Myra (Bent) Lewis. Bob married Vicki Risehoover in 1978, and through their union they welcomed two daughters. He later married Olinda A. Overton.
Bob is survived by his wife, Olinda A. Lewis; two daughters, Sarah (David) Huxtable of Galesburg and Katie (Joseph) Compton of Mt. Vernon, Iowa; a stepson, Frank Ferry; a brother, Fred (Sharon) Lewis of Abingdon, Illinois; three grandchildren, Jeremiah Huxtable, and Brooks and Brody Compton; a sister-in-law, Diana (the late Merland) Lewis; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, James (Linda) Bent and Merland (Diana) Lewis.
Bob graduated from Abingdon High School in 1966. He later enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving as a sergeant in the 9th Division during Vietnam from 1968 to 1970. He was awarded two Bronze Star medals, two Commendation medals, and two Combat Huey Helicopter medals. Later in life, he attended Western Illinois University, earning a degree in Business. He worked at the Pottery in Abingdon until 1997, Midstate Manufacturing Co., and later worked for Western Illinois University in the janitorial and maintenance department before retiring in 2015.
Bob was a member of the Abingdon American Legion Post #381 and a former member of the Knox County Honor Guard. In his free time, he enjoyed visiting the riverboat, playing cards, bowling, and was an avid fan of the Chicago Bears. He was a frequent visitor to Abbey Lanes and a member of both fast-pitch and slow-pitch softball leagues.
A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Abingdon Cemetery, with Pastor Connor Morrison officiating. Military Honors will be provided by the Knox County Honor Guard.
Memorials in Bob’s honor may be made to the American Parkinson Disease Association or the American Cancer Association.
Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral and Cremation Services of Abingdon is honored to serve the family. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.h-p-w.com.
