Robert Forest Davis, 71, of Abingdon, Illinois, formerly of New Boston, Illinois, died peacefully at 12:57 p.m. Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at OSF St. Mary Medical Center, Galesburg, Illinois.
Bob was born May 16, 1954 in Des Moines, Iowa, the son of Preston Ivo and Mildred Colleen (Sheehan) Davis. He married Melinda Lou Sturms in 1972. Together they had two daughters. Bob later married Janice Kay (Forshee) Brooks on August 30, 2008 in New Boston.
Bob is survived by his wife, Janice of Abingdon; two daughters, Mindy (Dave Martin) King and Dixie (Brian) Wieskamp both of Aledo, Illinois; and seven grandchildren, Gavin (Kiersten) King, Kellan King, Tyler King, Mason Meredith, Talon Wieskamp, Lily Wieskamp, and Daxxton Martin. Bob is also survived by three brothers, Ted (Kathie) Davis of Mechanicsville, Virginia, Michael Davis of New Boston, and Ronald Davis of Aledo; many nieces and nephews; and his beloved dog, Kippy. Bob was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Preston Davis.
Bob began working as a fork lifter operator for the HON Company in April 1989 and retired in January 2018. He held a strong faith in God and was a longtime member of New Boston Assembly of God Church where he was active in the band and choir gaining many lifelong friends. In his recent years he and Janice became members of New Harvest Church in Abingdon. He enjoyed sharing his talents, traveling to nursing homes, playing his guitar and singing for the residents. An avid car enthusiast, Bob enjoyed collecting die-cast models of his favorite cars. Bob had a strong work ethic and was deeply committed to his faith and his family.
Cremation will be accorded. A memorial service with luncheon to follow will be Sunday, October 25, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. At the New Boston Assembly of God Church, 404 Good St., New Boston, IL 61272. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
