Robert L. Underbrink, 97, of Jacksonville, IL, died Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023, at The Grove Health and Rehab Center.

He was born May 15, 1926, in Jacksonville, the son of John Earl and Lena (Liter) Underbrink.

Bob was the last surviving member of his immediate family. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Earl J. Underbrink, Gerald Underbrink and William G. Underbrink; and two sisters, Mildred Riley and Betty Gerdts. He is survived by his nieces and nephews and many friends.

Mr. Underbrink was a World War II veteran of the United States Army, serving from Oct. 12, 1944, to Aug. 8, 1946. He retired as the head librarian at Blackburn College. He served on the Jacksonville Public Library Board for several years and was a member of the Jacksonville Country Club. Bob was an avid reader and writer and he loved to travel. He had published two books and had written many short stories and many of those stories were published in the Jacksonville Journal Courier.

A memorial service with military honors will be held 10:30 AM Friday, Dec. 1, 2023, at the Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville. An informal visitation will be held following the services. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Jacksonville Public Library or a library of the donor's choice. Condolences may be sent online at buchanancody.com.