Robert "Bob" R. Sampson

Robert "Bob" R. Sampson, 86, of Petersburg, Illinois, passed away at his home on May 15, 2024. He was born in Petersburg on July 23, 1937. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Ann (Kruse) Sampson, his sister, Joan (Sampson) Anderson, and his parents, S. Roy Sampson and Frances Marie (Geriets) Sampson. He is survived by two daughters, Barbara Sampson of Petersburg and Julie Morrison of Lake Forest, and two sons, Blake Sampson of Petersburg and Barry Sampson (Karyn) of Sherman, and grandchildren Matthew Sampson and Alexa Sampson. Bob attended school in a one-room country schoolhouse in Tice and graduated from Harris High School in Petersburg. He attended Western Illinois University in Macomb. He served two years in a combat engineer battalion with the U.S. Army in Fort Carson, Colorado, followed by four years in the Reserve. He returned to Petersburg to farm with his father. As a lifetime farmer, he gained interest in soil conservation, building over twenty soil conservation structures, and serving on the committee for the Menard County Soil and Water Conservation District and state board where his activities earned his family the runner up for Illinois Soil Conservation Family of the Year. He retired from farming in 2020. He was a devoted member of Central Presbyterian Church of Petersburg where he served a majority of his life as an elder along with many committees. He was also a 60-year member of the Masonic Clinton Lodge and Knights Templar. Bob served on the Rose Hill Cemetery Board for 30 years. He enjoyed designing and building many things made of steel for the farm, with welding being a serious hobby. He treasured his many hunting and fishing experiences and enjoyed wildlife. He had ancestral connections with Abraham Lincoln with his great-great-grandfather being fourth to settle in Menard County in 1819. He connected many people with his interests in Lincoln history. Bob had many friends and said a stranger was somebody he just had not met yet. A visitation will be held on Sunday, May 19, 2024, at Hurley Funeral Home in Petersburg, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Clinton Lodge #19 will perform Masonic rites on Monday, May 20, 2024, at Central Presbyterian Church in Petersburg beginning at 10:00 am immediately followed by the funeral service. Pastor Ryan Edgecombe will be officiating the funeral service. Interment will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery with the Menard County Inter Veterans performing military rites. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Central Presbyterian Church, Land of Lincoln Honor Flight, or the New Salem Lincoln League. Hurley Funeral Home in Petersburg is assisting Bob’s family with final arrangements. Please visit hurleyfh.com for Bob’s online obituary.

Robert "Bob" R. Sampson

July 23, 1937 - May 15, 2024

Explore Obituaries &
Upcoming Services