Robert “Bob” H. Flaugher, Jr., 90, died Tuesday, March 8th, 2016, at Decatur Memorial Hospital.

Bob was born on February 18, 1926, in Decatur, to Robert H. and Louise (Wilson) Flaugher, Sr. In 1939, the family moved to Cerro Gordo, Illinois.  In high school, Bob participated in football, basketball and baseball.  He served in the United States Navy for two years during WWII.  He was assigned to the USS Poseidon, ARL 12 which performed its duties in the Pacific repairing damaged ships, primarily at Okinawa.  He was excited to participate in Central Illinois Honor Flights to Washington, DC to visit the WWII Memorial and several other memorials.  He was an avid Cubs fan since 1932 and recently made two trips to Wrigley field to enjoy the games.

He graduated from Eastern Illinois Teachers College in 1949 and received a Masters Degree and Advanced Certificates from the University of Illinois.  He taught at Oakland, Illinois from 1949 to 1952.  Then he taught at Lakeview High School from 1952 to 1982, where he developed an Independent Physical Education Program that received much acclaim around the country where he did consulting work.  He coached varsity baseball for 26 years.  He also coached three undefeated freshmen, sophomore football teams, one at Oakland and two at Lakeview High Schools. He was a member of the coaching staff for Lakeview’s 1965 undefeated varsity football team – Decatur’s first.  He was inducted into the Decatur Athletic Council’s Hall of Fame along with the 1965 football team.  He was varsity football coach at Lakeview for three seasons.  He also coached girls bowling at Lakeview and Eisenhower High Schools.  He retired from teaching in June 1984.

Bob was a 50-year member of Grace United Methodist Church where he served on the Administrative Board and as an usher. He enjoyed worship services at Imboden Living Center. Recently he transferred his membership to First United Methodist Church.  He has been a past member of Decatur Education Association, Illinois Education Association, National Education Association, lifetime member of the Illinois Parent Teachers Association, and the Illinois Officials Association. As a member of the United States Power Squadron he supervised a boating course for several years in conjunction with the Decatur Public Schools and the American Red Cross.  He was president of the Forest Knolls Lake Club for many years.

On June 15, 1952, he married the love of his life, Lula Jean Kussart, in Cerro Gordo, Illinois.  She preceded him in death on October 25, 2005.  Other survivors include his daughter, Cynthia Lou Townsend (husband Nathan) of Greenbrier, TN; grandchildren, Margaret Barrett, Joshua Garcia, Travis Garcia (wife Tori).  He also leaves sister-in-law Juanita Flaugher of Cerro Gordo and a host of nephews and nieces. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Randal Robert Flaugher; brother, Richard Flaugher and sister, Elizabeth Louise Flaugher.

Funeral services to celebrate the life of Robert Flaugher will be 11:30 a.m. Friday, March 11, 2016, in the Chapel at Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home.  Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 10, at Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Cerro Gordo Cemetery.  Memorials are suggested to First United Methodist Church or donor’s choice.

The family of Robert H. Flaugher, Jr. is being served by Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home, 2091 N. Oakland Avenue, Decatur, IL. Send condolences to the family at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.