Robert Samuel Yuill, 86, of Pleasant Plains, Illinois, passed away peacefully on January 17th, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Bob was born July 4th, 1938, in Herrin, Illinois, as the son of Mildred Partington and Harvey Yuill.

After Bob graduated High School in Herrin, Illinois, he went to college at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale on a full-ride music scholarship, earning a degree in Business. He was in the fraternity Phi Sigma Kappa and made some lifelong friends there.

He served his country for a time in the Army Reserves and continued his love of music by being in a band with other soldiers performing for the officer

Robert Yuill married Martha Merriman on July 23, 1994 in Springfield Illinois. They shared 30 wonderful years together. They met volunteering at their kids’ musical. In the very early days of their dating, someone asked them the question about how many children they had, and they couldn’t agree. And, at another time, he accidentally called for her with the wrong name, both of which have been running jokes throughout their marriage. They celebrated their 25th anniversary in New York and celebrated their future 50th anniversary a few years early in Hawaii. Bob and Martha both made concerted efforts to attend their kids and grandkids events, which kept them very busy. He loved his family very much.

Robert worked from a young age, first working at his family music store, Yuill Music, then joining the Union at age 14 and playing music amongst seasoned musicians. He excelled at his profession as a lifelong salesman and successful entrepreneur, working with a company that created a well-known safety device and helped make the world a safer place. His career culminated in a large buyout of the company, providing him with the opportunity to enjoy his retirement.

Bob was a lifelong enthusiast of hunting, fishing, and animals. He loved riding horses and had many beloved pets throughout his life. He was proud of his marksmanship and was on his way to becoming a Life Master playing bridge. He also took pride in dominating his family in chess and dominos. His social calendar was constantly full with his kids and grandkids, church, and friends.

Those who really know him know he had a soft spot for peanut brittle, onion rings, popcorn and corn curls. Stock in Diet Dr. Pepper may now go down as the company has lost one of their biggest supporters. He loved sunbathing and mowing his lawn. His secret recipes all started with sugar.

Bob was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and served in many positions over the years. He and Martha held many Empty Nesters evenings of fun and friendship and helped several people prepare to go to the temple.

Robert Yuill is survived by his loving wife, Martha Yuill, and many children and grandchildren. Although Martha and Bob did not have children together, their combined family kept the house filled with love and laughter. Bob’s legacy lives on in his daughter Sonja Yuill, daughter from a previous marriage with Marjorie Selle Yuill, whose daughter, Lilith Reuter-Yuill, and son, Asher Yuill, carry on his name. His daughters from a previous marriage with Jonna Veach also continue his legacy as his daughter, Stacey Billingsley, and her children Piper and Paige Billingsley, his daughter, Crista Stockdale, with her husband Mike Stockdale, Jr., and her children Kennedy, Liam, and Levi Smalley, and his daughter, Dana Wilson, and her children Edward and Henry Wilson will always hold a place for him in their hearts. Martha’s son, Nathan Melotte, with his wife Carol and his children Ian and Damon may not have been family by birth, but are family forever.

His strong traditions of family parties helped connect and secure his legacy and familial bonds with laughter, love, and unforgettable moments. And, although he is no longer with us physically, this legacy and traditions will continue for years to come.

There are too many close friends and colleagues to mention and thank for their love and support. Just know you are remembered and the family is deeply grateful for each and every one of you.

His Celebration of Life will be organized and held at a later date.

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