Robert "Bobby" W. Middleton

Robert W. Middleton (Bobby), age 71, of Stanford, IL passed away Tuesday July 21, 2026 at St Joseph Medical Center in Bloomington.  He was born July 2, 1955, in Hopedale, Illinois to Ruth Cochran Middleton Babbs and George Middleton.

He is survived by his sister Nancy Middleton of Stanford; and her children, Miranda Knops of Bloomington, and her son, Kyree Gulley, and David (Melissa) Knops Jr. of Edinburgh, Indiana, and his children Davina, Matthew, Darian, and Alex; Sister Karla Middleton of Minier and her children Gloria, Zachary, and Jessica; Sister Trisha Middleton of Danvers and her son Jesse; and all their extended families.

He was preceded in death by his father, George; Mother Ruth; brothers Alfred, George, and Larry Middleton; stepfather Robert Babbs; stepsister Lori Babbs; his grandparents; and a dear friend Clinton Hall.

Bobby worked hard at many different jobs, retiring from Remington Seed in March 2020 with 13 years of service.

Family was most important to Bobby along with many hobbies. Fishing at the Stanford Sportsman's Club always brought him joy. Being a diehard Chicago Cubs fan, watching sports on TV was a major past time.  Bobby also rooted for the Chicago Bears.  He had an artistic ability to draw what he saw and was also an avid reader. 

Bobby was quiet by nature, soft spoken with a rich inner life who had a heart of Gold. To know Bobby was simple, just let Bobby be Bobby. Never assume quiet is weak or loud is strong.

His funeral will be at 2 p.m. Monday, July 27, 2026, at Haensel-Oswald Funeral Home in Minier. Josh Gibson will officiate. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m., also at the funeral home. Burial will be in Brooks Grove Cemetery in Stanford.

A special thank you to all of the OSF St. Joseph team including hospice.

Memorials may be made to Stanford Rescue Squad, Stanford Church of God, or Stanford Sportsman's Club.

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