Robert Henry "Bob" Benton, 88, of Jacksonville, Illinois, passed away February 13, 2026. Born May 28, 1937, in Scott County, Illinois, he was the second child of the late Henry Franklin Benton and Eunice I. Cox Benton.

Bob married V. Karen Benton in 1977, and she preceded him in death on December 14, 2024. Together they built a life centered on family, faith, friendship, and service to their community.

He is survived by his six children: Reg (Cynthia) Benton of Jacksonville, Cyndy Benton of Jacksonville, Debbra (Peter) Benton Heimgartner of Raleigh, NC, Amy (Craig) Albers of Jacksonville, Jim (Cyndi) Cawthon of Plymouth, IN; and Gary Cawthon of Jacksonville. He is also survived by thirteen grandchildren: Allison (Nick) Guidish, Lindsey Benton, Natalie (Luke) Garver, Rob Benton, Andrew (Kara) Frields, Dustin Prather, Samantha (Evan) Heimgartner Boles, David (Taber) Albers, Maddy Albers, Steven (Kayleigh) Albers, David (Leah Becerra) Cawthon, Sarah Cawthon, and Scott Cawthon; nineteen great-grandchildren; and his brother, Tom (Dorothy) Benton. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his sister, Betty Jean Popovac.

Bob attended Winchester area schools and remained closely connected to his classmates, actively participating in and organizing his Class of 1955 reunions. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Illinois at Champaign.

In 1970, Bob founded Benton & Associates, Inc., an Engineering and Land Surveying firm in Jacksonville. Under his leadership, the company expanded its services throughout central Illinois and parts of Missouri. He considered both his clients and employees part of his "business family," a philosophy that helped sustain the firm's reputation and success for 55 years. Throughout his distinguished career, he was licensed as a Professional Engineer, Professional Land Surveyor, Class "A" Water Operator, and Class "I" Wastewater Operator in Illinois.

Service to others was a defining characteristic of Bob's life. He served as President of AMBUCS; President, Vice President, and Board Member of Passavant Hospital; Co-Chairman of the United Way; President and Board Member of the Sherwood Eddy YMCA; and President and Board Member of the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce. He was a Board Member of JAARC and served on the board of the Jacksonville Public Schools Foundation. He was appointed to the Illinois Board of Natural Resources and Conservation and held numerous leadership roles within the Illinois Society of Professional Engineers, including, State Vice President, President, and National Director. He was a life member of the University of Illinois Civil Engineering Alumni Association and served for more than 10 years as President of the Cedar Pointe Condo Association in Florida.
A faithful member of Lincoln Avenue Baptist Church for over 50 years, Bob lived out his faith through quiet leadership and steady commitment. He and Karen spent many winters in Florida, enjoying warm weather, golf, good food, and cherished friendships. They were long-time members of the Jacksonville Country Club and treasured the lasting relationships formed there. Together, they shared a love of travel, visiting many distant destinations and all 50 states.

Above all, Bob's greatest pride and joy was his family. There was nothing more important to him than watching his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren grow and thrive.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, February 20, 2026, at Lincoln Avenue Baptist Church, with burial to follow at Diamond Grove Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 12 to 2 p.m. prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Lincoln Avenue Baptist Church or to the Alzheimer's Association.

The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be left at buchanancody.com.