Robert “Bob” Eugene Durham, age 76, of Casey, Ill. passed away at 8:10 a.m. Tuesday, June 14, 2016 in Terre Haute, Ind. in the presence of his loving wife, son and daughter.

He was born January 20, 1940 in Alton, Ill. the son of Dorsey and Kathryn Thomas Durham. He was married September 30, 1967 in Kankakee, Ill. to Sharon Hickler.

Survivors include his wife, Sharon Durham; son, Matt Durham and wife, Erica of Indianapolis, Ind.; daughter, Holly Coleman and husband, Mike of Carmel, Ind.; grandchildren, Auggie, Ruby and Grey Durham and Sarah Coleman; brothers, Terry Durham and wife, Kay, of Godfrey, Ill.; Tom Durham of Little Torch Key, FL; and Jim Durham and wife, Connie of Godfrey, Ill.; sisters, Darcy Pawlowski and husband, George of Grand Rapids, Mich.; Patty Taylor and husband, John of Brighton, IL; Debbie Holman and husband, Randy of Bethalto, Ill.; brother-in-law, Duane Hickler and wife, Kay of Litchfield, Minn.; and sister-in-law, Maxine Nickerson of Litchfield, Minn.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters-in-law, Beverly Carlson and Kathie Durham and a nephew, Drew Pawlowski.

Bob was a 1958 graduate of Roxanna, Ill. High School and earned both Bachelor of Arts and Masters of Education degrees from Eastern Illinois University where he played football, basketball and tennis and was a member of the Phi Sigma Epsilon fraternity. He was a retired teacher and coach, named in 1997 to the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Bob came to Casey in 1969 to teach business and coach football, basketball, and golf and serve as athletic director. He was former owner of the Dairy Bar and Tastee Freez, both in Casey, where he was affectionately known for his “Bongo Burgers.” He was a member of the Casey First Christian Church and the Casey Country Club.

Bob will forever be remembered for his compassion, his love of family, and the life lessons he taught his students and athletes. His students best remember his love of nicknames such as knucklehead, crumb snatcher, dirtbag, and bimbo breath. He was an avid reader and crossword puzzle fanatic. He loved sports, and loved playing golf, tennis and basketball, and through his 25 years of coaching, he had a positive impact on the lives of many.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 18 at the Casey First Christian Church with the Rev. Brian McCreanor officiating. Burial will follow in the Vernon Addition of Washington Street Cemetery, Casey. Visitation is 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at the church.

Memorial donations may be made to the Casey First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, 200 SE Eighth St., Casey, IL 62420.

To view the full obituary, send a condolence message, light a candle or post photos, visit www.markwellfuneralhome.com. Markwell Funeral Home in Casey, IL is in charge of the arrangements.

Provide comfort for the family by planting a tree in memory of Robert E. "Bob" Durham , please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.