Robert "Bob" Thomson Jr. 1938-2014
Robert Bruce "Bob" Thomson Jr., 75, of Ashland, Ill., died Friday, Nov. 29, 2014, at St. John's Hospice in Springfield, Ill.
He was born Dec. 7, 1938, in Jacksonville, Ill., the son of Attorney Robert Bruce Sr. and Isabel Jane Ballow Thomson.
He is survived by four daughters and two sons: Elizabeth (Peter) Cappas of Elgin, Ill., Kathryn (Christopher Lu) Thomson of Arlington, Va., Sarah (Will) Palmer of Landsdowne, Va., Rachel Gray of Memphis, Tenn., Robert Bruce (Erin) Thomson III of Arlington, Va., and Charles Andrew Bowman Thomson of Naples, Fla.; nine grandchildren; and special friend and fiancée, Cynthia Gutmann of Ashland.
He was preceded in death by a daughter at birth, Rebecca Bently Thomson; sister, Marilyn Jane Thomson; and brother, William Lloyd Thomson.
Mr. Thomson graduated from Illinois College in three years, and then obtained his law degree from University of Illinois. He was a practicing attorney for over 50 years, first at Thomson & Thomson, then Robert B. Thomson Law Firm in 1974 followed by Thomson & Strawn for five years. He then had his own practice before being joined by Charles "Chuck" McNeely, and most recently he again had his own practice.
In his youth, Bob was a member of Boy Scout Troop #113 in Jacksonville, earning the rank of Eagle Scout, receiving his Bronze, Gold and Silver Palms, and then became an Assistant Scout Master. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, and was a life member of the Ashland VFW Post #3546, American Legion, Elks Lodge #682 and Jacksonville AMVETS. He was also a member of the Jacksonville Country Club and the Illinois Bar Association for many years. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and was Past President of both the Illinois Duck & Goose Affiliation and the Jacksonville Chapter of Ducks Unlimited. He was a friend of Bill W. and Dr. Bob for 30 years.
Burial will be held at Diamond Grove Cemetery in Jacksonville. At his request, there will be no visitation or service.
Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.buchanancody.com.
Member Comments (1)
Bob was a sweet and gentle man and a pleasure to work with. His friends and colleagues at the Dept of Administrative Hearings in Springfield will miss him. Our deepest sympathies to his family and friends.
Marc C. Loro
Senior Legal Advisor
DAH