John Armstrong

JOHN ROBERT “BOB” ARMSTRONG Jr., 85, of Mattoon, IL formerly of Carthage, IL passed away at 3:20 P.M. on Monday, March 5, 2012 at Mattoon Health Care Center.

Bob was born on September 8, 1926 in Carbondale, IL. He was a son of Dr. John R. and Mary Susan (McGee) Armstrong. He married Betty Jane Rains on June 10, 1949 in Murphysboro, IL. She survives.

Bob is also survived by his children; John R. Armstrong III and his wife Cheryl of Mattoon, IL, Suzanne A. Frice and Tim Hoschek of Burlington, IA and Charles C. Armstrong of Mattoon, IL. Other survivors include his grandchildren, Sara Thomas of Charleston, SC, Eric R. Armstrong of Altamont, IL, Dylan J. Bartels of Mattoon, IL and Zachary J. Armstrong of Mattoon, IL.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and one daughter Jane C. Bartels.

Bob was a Navy Veteran of WWII. He was a Navy Seaman 1st Class from 1944 to 1946.

He graduated from Southern Illinois University with a Bachelor and Master of Science in Education in 1950 and a Master of Science in Guidance and Counseling in 1966. He was a member of the SIU Tennis Team. Bob stated his educational career at Carthage High School in 1950. In 1966 he became Guidance Counselor and later added duties as Vice Principal. After retiring in 1986 he taught Business classes at Carl Sandburg College and provided guidance counseling services to Southeastern High School.

He served as Carthage City Council Alderman for several years. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church of Carbondale, IL. He was a member of the Carthage Lions Club, American Legion, and the Benevolence Protective Order of the Elks, lodge 1243 of Carbondale, IL. He was also an active member of Midland Hills Country Club of Makanda, IL.

Bob was an avid gardener, an accomplished tennis player and a fly fisherman. He also enjoyed attending his children and grandchildren’s sporting events.

Private family services were held on March 6, 2012. Interment in Oakland Cemetery in Carbondale, IL will be held at a later date. The Edwards Funeral Home is assisting Bob’s family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Lincolnland Hospice or Midland Hills Endowment Fund.