Robert Pair of Du Quoin
Robert James "Bob" Pair, 82, of Du Quoin, passed away at 1:10 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2020 at his residence.
Robert's last job was working for the Du Quoin Presbyterian Church as Administrative Assistant. He worked several years as an auditor for the Zale Jewelry Company, owned his own restaurant, and managed Oshman's Sporting Goods store.
He also worked for 20 years with his wife, Connie, in the Shelter Insurance office. He was employed by the state of Illinois as a field consultant and retired in 2001.
Robert enjoyed playing music, working in the yard and playing basketball for fun and exercise. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. Robert was a veteran of the U.S. Army.
He was a member of the Gospel Assembly Church in Du Quoin, where he played bass guitar in the orchestra, sang in the choir and was song leader. Robert had also been the Sunday school Superintendent, and taught Adult Sunday school classes and Home Life classes. He would sometimes be moderator of services in the pastor's absence, and served as usher and trustee.
He also cleaned the Sunday school classrooms along with any other duties he was asked to perform.
Robert Pair was born Jan. 31, 1938 at the Marshall Browning Hospital in Du Quoin, the son of Robert William and Edyplano (Thomas) Pair.
He first married Barbara Birfelder of Wiesbaden, Germany. He married Connie Sue (Brown) Wallace at the Gospel Assembly Church in Du Quoin on March 21, 1987 and she preceded him in death on April 1, 2018.
He is survived by three children, Robert Rick Pair of Carbondale, Robert Ron Pair of Du Quoin and stepson Jesse Wallace of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida; one sister, Ruth E. Pair of Du Quoin; four granddaughters, Hanna Fray of Munster, Indiana, Tamara Sawyer of Cibolo, Texas, Mikayla Pair of Midlothian, Texas, and Amber Pair of Henderson, Nevada; one grandson, James Wallace of Atlanta, Georgia; two great-granddaughters, Aislin Pair and Shay Sawyer, both of Arlington, Texas; and great-grandson Everett Fray of Munster, Indiana.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Connie, of 31 years; and one sister, Patti Frassato.
Graveside services for Robert Pair will begin at 10 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 24, 2020 at the Sunset Memorial Park in Du Quoin, with the Rev. Gaylen Holden officiating.
Military graveside rites will be conducted by the Du Quoin V.F.W., the American Legion and the Army National Guard.
Under the guidelines of Phase 4 of Restore Illinois, up to 50 attendees are permitted. Social distancing will be practiced and everyone in attendance is required to wear a mask.
Friends are invited to make memorials to the Gospel Assembly Church in Du Quoin, which will be accepted at the funeral home.
Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin is in charge of arrangements.
For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.