Obituary of Robert Bouldin

Robert James Bouldin, 87, of Girard, Illinois passed away Wednesday, November 6, 2019. Robert's wife of 59 years, Marjorie, preceded him in death, passing in 2016. Mr. Bouldin was well known in the community having taught in the Girard School system for 25 years retiring in 1994. Concurrent with this teaching career Mr Bouldin also served in the military. Starting with the regular Army, then joining the Army Reserves and finally serving in the Illinois National Guard. Mr. Bouldin ultimately attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Mr. Bouldin served in uniform for more than 30 years. Mr. Bouldin was born on July 26, 1932 in Chicago, IL. He was the oldest of four children of Ralph F. and Dorothy Bouldin. He attended the Chicago Public Schools graduating from Bowen High School with the Class of 1950. Mr. Bouldin enlisted in the US Army immediately after graduation and served two tours of duty in the Korean Conflict. Mr. Bouldin received the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantry Badge, the Korean Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, the Army Presidential Unit Citation along with many other awards and citations. Upon being honorably discharged from the US Army Mr. Bouldin used the benefits afforded him through the GI Bill to attend college. While reading his hometown newspaper, The Chicago Tribune, Mr. Bouldin learned of Blackburn College in Carlinville, IL. In 1954 Mr Bouldin enrolled at Blackburn and began pursuing his Bachelor's Degree in History. It was while attending Blackburn that Mr. Bouldin met the love of his life, Marjorie Jean Darrohn. They married in 1957. Mr. Bouldin graduated from Blackburn in 1958 and Mrs. Bouldin graduated in 1959. Mr. and Mrs. Bouldin stayed in Carlinville after college and it is there that all three of their sons were born. Mr Bouldin first worked for the Social Security Administration in Springfield, IL while Mrs. Bouldin was able to stay home and raise their children. When their youngest child began school both Mr. and Mrs. Bouldin were hired by the Girard School system as elementary school teachers. Mr. Bouldin taught the Sixth Grade and Mrs. Bouldin taught the First Grade. Both Mr. and Mrs. Bouldin felt very strongly that teachers should become part of the community in which they serve. The family moved to Girard in 1970. All three of their sons graduated from the Girard Schools. Mr. Bouldin's service to community included a term as President of the Blackburn College Alumni Association and he remained involved with that organization for many years. He was an active ambassador for the school as he and his wife counseled many students to continue their education at Blackburn. Mr. Bouldin also served on the Girard School Board. In retirement Mr. Bouldin enjoyed being outdoors with his wife and their beloved miniature dachshunds. They traveled throughout the Midwest in their motorhome. They were campground hosts at Beaver Dam State Park in Carlinville for many years. They also enjoyed their cabin and friends at Cool Creek Resort near Highland, IL. Mr. Bouldin is lovingly remembered by his children, Robert Jeffery (Lynette) Bouldin of Simpsonville, SC, Andrew (Marie Matthews) Bouldin of Los Angeles, CA, and Paul (Paula) Bouldin of Girard, IL; grandchildren, Michelle Cuttill, Lori (Tim) Brackett, Michael (Veronica) Bouldin, Jacob (Rebecca) Bouldin, Alexander Bouldin, Quincy Bouldin and Tyson Bouldin; great-grandchildren, Jordan Cuttill, Jasmine Williams, Brandye Williams, Mason Bouldin, Gavin Bouldin, Julianna Bouldin and Gabriella Bouldin, his brother John (Mary) Bouldin of Lansford, PA and nieces Karen Bouldin, Amy Sherwood, Kathleen Bouldin and nephews, John Bouldin, Rick Darrohn and Jed Darrohn. Visitation will be 9:00 to 10:00am on Friday, November 15, 2019 with services to follow at 10:00am at Davis-Anderson Funeral Home in Girard, IL. Private family burial will be in Camp Butler National Cemetery, in Springfield, IL. Davis-Anderson Funeral Home in Girard, IL is assisting the family at this difficult time. In lieu of other expressions of sympathy memorial donations can be made in Mr. Bouldin's name to the American Legion Post #386, 118 S Dey, Virden, IL 62690