Robert G. Pautler of Evansville

Robert G. Pautler, 85, of Evansville, Illinois, passed away at 2:20 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2019 at Red Bud Regional Hospital in Red Bud, Illinois.

He was born to the late Ezra and Bertha (nee Stork) Pautler on June 16, 1933 in Walsh, Illinois. He married Brenda Lee Penford on July 18, 1959 in Evansville; she survives.

Bob was owner of Randolph Signs Outdoor Billboards. he was the past assistant director for the Illinois Department of Mines and Minerals, a three-time elected Randolph County Commissioner, and was a coal miner.

He also served on the Secretary of State Merit Commission.

He was a member of St. Pius V Catholic Church, in Walsh.

He was a life member of VFW Post #3553 in Chester, a member of AMVETS, the Naval Enlisted Reserve Association, American Legion Post # 1172 in Evansville and Knights of Columbus #1952 in Evansville.

He was a charter member of Kaskaskia General Assembly 4th Degree Knights of Columbus.

Bob was a past member of Randolph County Democratic Central Committee; where he served as chairman for 12 years.

Bob was a Navy veteran who served 1952-1956 and during the Korean War; he then joined the U.S. Navy Seebee Reserves and was with them 1977-1993.

Bob is survived by his wife, Brenda Pautler of Evansville; son Jeffrey Pautler; grandson Dustin (Natasha) Pautler; great-grandchildren Sophia Rae Pautler and Oliver Michael Pautler; sisters-in-law, Ellen Penford of Evansville, Illinois and Alesia (Michael) Steinberger of Severna Park, Maryland; brother-in-law Ralph Wesbecher of Red Bud; four nephews, Jim (Adena) Penford, Matt Penford, Byron Sauer and Ron (Alice) Wesbecher; nieces Carol (Clyde) Kessler and Linda (Paul) Young; and several cousins and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Bertha Wesbecher and Garnita (William) Schuline; a niece, Norma Wesbecher Kessler and brother-in-law Leon Penford.

A memorial Mass for Bob Pautler will begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 19, 2019 at St. Pius V Catholic Church in Walsh, with Father Vincent Mukasa officiating. He will be inurned at St. Pius Catholic Cemetery in Walsh.

Visitation will be held prior to the Mass, from 9 to 11 a.m. at St. Pius V Catholic Church in Walsh.

Memorials may be sent to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the Randolph County Democratic Scholarship Fund; or go for Masses.

To view this obituary and sign the register book, visit www.wpfh.net.