Robert Eugene “Papa Swank” Swank, 84, of Abingdon, Illinois, passed away at 1:55 a.m., May 21, 2026, at the OSF St. Francis Medical Center. He was born January 20, 1942, in Avon, Illinois, the son of Vera Swank. He was raised and educated in Avon, graduating from Avon High School in 1960.
He married Barbara Jean Morlan on June 7, 1966, in Galesburg, Illinois and she survives.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 60 years Barbara; sons, Michael (Annalee) Swank and John Swank of Abingdon; grandchildren, Tyson (Brooke) Peterson, Eric (Kayla) Swank, Tiffany (Nathan) Vehmeier, Jamie Swank, Harley Spangler, James Swank, Alyssa (Sean) Icenogle, Brooklin (Evan) Smith, Mark Payne, Jacob (Sacha Bouse) Payne, Amanda (Paul Dopler) Payne; 21 great-grandchildren with one on the way; brothers; Harold (Carol) Lockwood of North Carolina, Walter (Torie) Lockwood of Alpha, Illinois, Curt Lockwood of Galesburg, Illinois. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Vera Swank, stepfather, Walter Lockwood; sons, James Swank and Steven Swank; sisters, Philajean Lewis, Ramona Anderson; brothers, Jeff Lockwood and both maternal and paternal grandparents.
Bob worked at Gale Products and several carnivals and also bartended for many years. He helped coach t-ball and softball. He kept stats for kids and grandkids sporting events. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals and Green Bay Packers fan.
Cremation rites have been accorded with a Celebration of Bob’s life to be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the wishes of the family and left in the care of the funeral home.
