Robert “Bob” C. Wathan, age 73, of Flora, Illinois, passed away Thursday, December 25, 2025, at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri.

      He was born May 23, 1952, in Clay County, the son of Raymond E. and Mary Dale (Harmon) Wathan.  Bob was united in marriage to Mary F. Pickel on October 16, 1970, in Flora, and together they have shared 55 wedding anniversaries.

      Bob had worked numerous jobs throughout his life, beginning with Southwire in Flora where he dedicated 34 years until they closed their doors in 2014.  Bob loved hunting and doing things with his family.  He held a special place in his heart for his beloved boxer, “Whiskey.”

      He is survived by his wife; a son: Bobby Wathan (Johlene Hawks) of Louisville; a daughter: Shannon (Randy) Dulaney of Flora; grandchildren: Coty Workman of Flora, Gemma Hawks of Louisville, Tristan Hawks of Louisville, Josh Hawks of Georgetown, KB Hawks of Louisville, Kyle Hawks of Flora, and Kyle Broz of Louisville; 2 great-grandchildren: Kale Dulaney of Flora and Kiara Dulaney of Flora; siblings: Ray (Paula) Wathan Jr. of Madison, Alabama and Deborah (Mark) Luckett of Flora; a sister-in-law: Pauline (Rick) Bowen of Flora; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

      He was preceded in passing by his parents; grandparents; and a sister, Linda.

      A funeral ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora.  Interment will follow in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Xenia.  A visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home.  Memorial donations are suggested to Fur a Good Paws, and these will be accepted through the funeral home.  To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com