Mr. Robert H. "Bob" Inness

Mr. Robert H. “Bob” Inness, 76, of Galesburg, Illinois died at 1:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 10, 2020 at his home. 

He was born June 16, 1943 in Galesburg, Illinois to Henry Victor and Grace (Metcalf) Inness.  He married Linda Black in Galesburg, then married Glenda English in Galesburg and later married Monica J. Friend on January 18, 1995 in Cave Creek, Arizona.

Surviving are his wife, Monica of Galesburg, four children, Jennifer L. Inness and Carrie Jane Inness Ringer of Mt. Zion, Illinois, David A. (and Doris) Inness of Glendale, Arizona, and Amy J. (and James) Inness Steck of Decatur, Illinois.  His cherished grandchildren, MacKenzie Steck, Harrison Steck, Corbin Steck, Drew Inness, Dustin Inness, Amber (Inness) Webster, and Sophie Ringer, a great grandchild, Elijah “Eli” Inness, a great grandchild “on the way”.

Also surviving, a step son, Ronnie Van Fleet of Bettendorf, Iowa, a twin brother, Richard (and Pam) Inness of Galesburg, two sisters, Joanne Muck of Rockford, Illinois and Jane Youngquist of Galesburg, a sister-in-law, Marcy Inness of Galesburg, and several nieces, and nephews, along with great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Grace Inness, a brother, George I. Inness, an aunt, Eleanor Meith, a brother-in-law George Muck, and a nephew Ron Ramos.

Bob graduated from Galesburg High School in 1961 with his twin brother and best friend Richard.  He was a farmer and trucker his entire life.  He was co-owner of Inness Farm R&R in Galesburg.

Bob’s purpose in life was to provide for his family and to ensure they were safe.  His three main priorities were family, farm and friends.

In his youth he worked for Gumm Farms and Litchfield Trucking.  When he and Richard were 12 years old they hopped a boxcar with several cattle and headed out west to Phoenix, AZ for the state fair.  His love of cattle took him all over the United States for various events, he often came home with awards and stories to share.

In 1972, the Inness Family Farm hosted the Farm Progress Show where over 100,000 people attended.  It was a huge success.

Bob was a member of the National Cattle Association, the Hague Hustlers of 4H, FFA, and a 40 year member of the Elks Club.  In addition, he was a member of the First Baptist Church in Galesburg for over 50 years where he was a Deacon

He was “President” of the Wednesday Night Club that met at the Steak House with his personal “members” where they shared good food, fun and lot of laughs.  His heart was bigger than life and never expected anything in return.  His ethics were work hard, play hard and sleep fast – and he did it all.

A private committal service was held Saturday, June 13, 2020 at East Linwood Cemetery, Galesburg.  Rev. Bob Myers officiated. 

A Celebration of Life Open House will be 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Sunday, July 18, 2021 at the Lake Bracken Country Club, Galesburg.  Hinchliff-Pearson West Funeral Directors and Cremation Service is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com. 

As the world has changed dramatically in the recent past, it deeply concerned Robert about our farming and community’s future.  Please send your local charity donations to Hinchliff-Pearson West for distribution and recognition.  Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com. 

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