Robert L. "Bob" Cundiff Obituary (1945 - 2016)

Robert L. "Bob" Cundiff, 71, of Decatur, IL passed away on July 11, 2016 in his home surrounded by his family. A service to celebrate and honor his life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 19, 2016 at Dawson & Wikoff North Chapel. Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Monday, July 18, 2016 at the funeral home as well as 10:00 a.m. until service time on Tuesday. He will be laid to rest at Friends Creek Cemetery, Argenta. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to EAA-Train a Pilot. Robert Lynn Cundiff was born on January 11, 1945 in Decatur IL the son of Redith Fry Welton. He was raised by his wonderful adoptive parents Marshall and Florence (Sidwell) Cundiff. He married Melody Richard in 1963 and two sons were born to this union. He was later married to Mary Ann Fratini in 1990 and two daughters were born to this union. Bob was also married to Carole Wright-Cooley in 1976 as well as on February 17, 2010. He was a lifelong farmer working on the family farm. Bob worked for the Wabash Railroad originally but worked and retired from Norfolk Southern as a Foreman-Supervisor and Machinist and was a N.A.R.V.R.E. member. He was always proud of bowling a 299 in his Norfolk Southern Bowling League. In his younger years, Bob loved stock car racing and was a former track champion in Farmer City, Macon and Charleston Race Tracks. Bob was a proud member of the N.R.A. His life's passion was being a pilot and even built his own plane. He was an active member in the local flying community including memberships in the: EAA, which led him to fly hundreds of kids through the years giving them their first gift of flight in an airplane, Illini Glider Club actively as a tow pilot, Civil Air Patrol for 20 years, former president of the Decatur Aero Club (50 year member) and also found joy in leasing the ground for Aero Commanders Club for radio controlled planes. It's safe to say he has earned his Eternal Wings! He is survived by his wife, Carole; two sons: Brian (Cindy) Cundiff and Jeffery Cundiff and his fiance, Melody Ellis; two daughters: Cristine (Carlans) Nance and Megan Cundiff and her signifigant other, Jason Kupiec all of Decatur, IL; two bonus daughters: Kathleen Cooley of Atlanta, GA and Valerie (Patrick) Taylor of Cold Spring, KY; thirteen grandchildren: Dustin, Kaysey, Rebecca, Vanessa, Courtney, Connor, Eliya, Mason Robert Lynn, Sara, Dillon, Carly, Lauren and Ethan; sister: Nancy (Leroy) Cain of Decatur, IL; mother-in-law: Cecilia Wright of Decatur, IL; uncle: Ken (Pat) Fry of Decatur, IL; two former wives: Melody (Richard) Kopisch of Atascadero, CA and Mary Ann Fratini of Decatur, IL; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and father-in-law, James P. Wright. The family would like to give a special thank you to Linda Grider, John (Judy) Dixson, Jerry Clyburn, Dr. Wade and Dr. Ranger and staff. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at www.dawson-wikoff.com.