Robert Atwater

Robert Atwater, 75, of Dunlap, Illinois passed away Sunday, June 2, 2024 at OSF in Peoria following a lengthy illness. 

Bob was born January 25, 1949 to Elnora and Otis Atwater in Sturgis Michigan.

While attending Sturgis High School, he played trumpet in the marching band, was catcher for the varsity baseball team and enjoyed many outdoor activities.

He graduated from Judson University where he participated on their tennis and baseball teams. At Judson, he met his wife Martha Shay and they were married on June 27, 1971. He furthered his education with a Master’s Degree from Bradley University and  an EDS degree from Western Illinois University.

He started his career in education as a teacher at Meadowdale Elementary School in Dundee, Illinois. He continued his career as an elementary school principal in Tremont and Galena. He went on to serve as the assistant superintendent in Farmington until his retirement in 2005.

Bob was active in community service by serving on Lions Clubs, Galena Chamber of Commerce, American Political Items Collectors, and First Baptist Church of Peoria where he served on many boards and committees.

Bob’s hobbies over the years included fishing, scuba diving, traveling, scrapbooking, antiquing, and especially collecting Presidential memorabilia.

Bob is survived by his loving wife, Martha (Marti), a brother, Donald Atwater of Warsaw, Virginia, and sister-in-law, Mary Lou (Sam) Campus of Elgin, Illinois. He is also survived by many extended family members including Susan (Mark) Payne, LouAnn (Mark) McArtor, Andy (Karen) Atwater, Joe (Linda) Atwater, Joe (Vanessa) Campus, Beth (Brian) Burghgraef and Jody (Brandon) Verwolf. His parents preceded him in death.

Services will be held Sunday June 9, 2024 at First Baptist Church of Peoria. 

Visitation from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. with a memorial service immediately following. Burial will be private at Prairie Rest Cemetery in Delavan. Davis-Oswald Funeral Home in Delavan is handling the arrangements.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Peoria or American Heart Association.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert Atwater, please visit our floral store.