Robert Duane Buxton Sr. , age 95, of Decatur, Illinois, passed away peacefully in his sleep with his family at his side on February 12, 2026.

Bob was born on December 4, 1930 in Cerro Gordo, Illinois, a son of the late Wilbur and Ethel (Riddle) Buxton. He graduated from Lovington High School where he was an all conference running back for the football team.  After high school, Bob joined the United States Navy and served aboard the Destroyer USS Noa patrolling the Atlantic Ocean from Greenland to the Caribbean Sea.

Bob married Audrey Smith September 23, 1950. They celebrated their 75th anniversary last year.  Together they had two sons. Bob is survived by his wife and sons Robert D. Buxton Jr. (Debbie) and David L. Buxton (Janice), many grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grand children. In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by four brothers: Wilbur, Edwin, Samuel and Steven Buxton, his sister, Joan O’Bryan, great great granddaughter Sofia Roddy and great great grandson Asher Freimuth.

Bob was a long-time member of the First Methodist Church and True Blood Methodist Church of Decatur. He served in a variety of roles at both churches.  He also participated in downtown dinners serving the disadvantaged in Decatur.  He coached Little League Baseball and was the president of the Boys Northwest Little League Baseball. Bob was a life long fan of the Chicago Cubs and Bears. He was very proud that he donated 10 gallons of blood to the Red Cross over the years.

Bob worked at A. E. Staleys for 42 years and worked for the Decatur Park District for a number of years.  During retirement, Bob enjoyed his family, traveling, going to church and working on his house and yard.  He was a wonderful father who set an example of honesty and hard work. Bob is loved and will be missed by family and friends.  We will miss his stories and his laughter.

A graveside service will be held Saturday, February 28th at 1:00pm at North Fork Cemetery, 5460 North Fork Road in Decatur (Long Creek Township), Illinois.

Memorials may be made to the American Red Cross or to First United Methodist Church , Decatur.