Robert D. Bigham

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Robert D. "Bob" Bigham, of rural Pinckneyville, Ill., departed this life on Thursday, Aug. 5, 2010 at 10:20 a.m. in Memorial Hospital of Carbondale, Carbondale, Ill. He had attained the age of 82 years, 11 months and 26 days.

Bob was born on Sept. 10, 1927 in Cutler, Ill., the only child of Lyle and Lola (Bradley) Bigham. He was united in marriage to Helen McKinstry on Aug. 11, 1973 and she preceded him in death on Jan. 11, 1992. He was then was united in marriage to Vera E. Anderson on Aug. 5, 1994 and she survives his passing.

Bob was a member of The United States Air Force, proudly serving his country during the Korean War, was a graduate of the University of Illinois with a degree in Agronomy and a member of the "Illidel" fraternity. He was a life-long farmer and business man raising livestock in the early years and farming grain most recently. Bob was a member of Oak Grove Baptist Church, Pinckneyville, Ill., where he served as a Sunday school teacher and deacon for many years. He was actively involved in farming activities, served on various boards and organizations relating to agriculture and was a 4-H leader.

Left to mourn his passing are his wife, Vera; four step-children, Stephen (Joyce) Anderson, Kevin Anderson, Cynthia (Rick) Greten and Charles (Stephanie) Anderson; eight step-grandchildren, Chris (Stephanie) Anderson, Gene (Shannon) Anderson, Clint Anderson, Lyna P&#233;na, Alisha ((Donnie) Shockly, Lindsey Greten, Tiffany Anderson and Jace Anderson; seven great step-grandchildren, Loryn, Dalton and Alana Anderson, August and Anson Anderson and Karli and Ian Shockley and four cousins, Gayle McDaniel, Doris Hanson, Ruth Oyler and Bonnie Lynch.

He is preceded in death by his parents; and first wife, Helen.

Funeral services were held at Oak Grove Baptist Church, Pinckneyville, Ill. on Monday, Aug. 9, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. with Brother Rob Mathis officiating. Interment was in Cottom Cemetery, Denmark, Ill.

Friends called at Pyatt Funeral Home, Pinckneyville, Ill. on Sunday from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Monday at Oak Grove Baptist Church from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m.

Memorials may be made to Oak Grove Baptist Church.

For more information or to sign an online guest register, please visit, www.pyattfuneralhome.com.