Robert "Bob" Wilson

Robert E "Bob" Wilson, 82, of Peoria, IL, passed away at 9:12 am on Saturday, July 3, 2021, at Unity Point Health-Methodist in Peoria.

Bob was born on February 3, 1939, in Leitchfield, KY, to the late Labern E. and Emma M. Shartzer.  Bob married Alana J Bolds on October 24, 1985, in Paxton, IL.  Surviving is his wife, Alana of Peoria; son, Steven (Lourdes) Wilson of Silver Spring, MD; daughter, Lisa (Larry) Wilson Kimm of Stafford, VA; son John (Lisa) Debusky of Rock Island, IL and son James Debusky of Paxton, IL.  Also surviving are 12 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.  Bob was a loving friend, husband and partner, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Bob was the band superintendent at his last duty station at Chanute AFB, IL, and retired from the United States Air Force in 1985 with the rank of Senior Master Sergeant serving more than 28 years active duty.  Bob was a professional musician in the Air Force Band, serving in Panama, two tours in the Philippines with TDY to El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Peru in 1978, was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and graduated the USAF First Sergeant Academy in 1982. Bob played for every sitting U. S. President from President Dwight D Eisenhower to President Ronald Reagan, kings, and many heads of state.  Bob played the tuba, upright bass, electric bass, and double bass in the Air Force Band.  Bob performed with many orchestras and groups near each assignment during active duty and in recent years with groups in Peoria and Galesburg, IL.

Bob obtained his real estate broker's license and was the branch manager of Coldwell Banker Devonshire in Paxton, IL.  Bob formed his own real estate appraisal company, owning and operating the Computech Appraisal Service of Peoria with his wife in 2005.  Bob loved life, had a quick wit, a wonderful sense of humor, especially for a good joke; was a lover of animals, bass fisherman, lifetime member of the Masonic Lodge, and an excellent marksman into his 80's. 

Cremation rites have been accorded.  A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to an animal shelter of the donor’s choice or Disabled American Veterans (DAV).  Affordable Funeral & Cremation Services of Central Illinois is assisting the family with arrangements. To share a memory or send a condolence to his family, please visit www.peoriafuneral.com.

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