Memorials for Bob Pinkerton go to the Rotary Club of Morton Scholarship Endowment Fund
Robert “Bob” Pinkerton, age 90, passed away on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at Landon Ridge Assisted Living in San Antonio, Texas.
Bob was born October 20, 1933, in Texarkana, Texas William R. and Hazel Pauline (Neff) Pinkerton. Upon the unexpected passing of his mother early in his life, he was raised by his father’s second wife, Isabel. Bob’s family moved from Alpine, Texas to the family farm north of Modesto, Ill. prior to WWII. They later moved to several places in Illinois including Rockford, Carbondale, Centralia and finally Belleville, where he graduated from high school in 1952. He attended the University of Illinois. He then joined the Army and was stationed in France and Germany. Returning to the United States from Germany, he met and married Phyllis Harper in 1958. He graduated from Southern Illinois University with a Masters in Geography. Bob attended the University of Kansas, where he worked on his Doctorate in Geography & City Management. When Bob left active service, he continued as a reservist and retired in 1993 as a Colonel.
Bob worked as a City Planner in St. Louis, MO, a Regional Planner for Tri-County in Peoria, Executive Director for the Fond Du Lac County Planning Department, WI, Executive Director of Champaign County, IL, Regional Planning Commission, Executive Director IL Tri-County Regional Planning Commission and Executive Director Southwestern IL Metropolitan Regional Planning Commission.
Bob loved his family, his community, his cars, traveling and his tuba. He was a member of the Retired Officers Association and a lifetime member of the Morton Rotary. He belonged to the German-American and Italian-American Society. For many years, he was a member of the Pulliam Cemetery Board in Macoupin County. Bob had a red MG and a Thunderbird and drove them in the Pumpkin Parade. When he left Morton after 48 years, Bob brought his tuba with him. He was a member of the Peoria Senior Band and played with Al’s Pals. Bob would often wear his lederhosen to the German festivities.
Most especially, Bob enjoyed getting his home ready for family visits on the 4th of July and at Christmas. He always found jobs where he could stay close to his mother and father.
Bob is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Phyllis Harper and wife Joyce Glay. His son, Scott Harper Pinkerton died in 2018; his brother-in-law, Terry Modlin in 2021 and nephew, Steve Modlin in 2023.
He is survived by his sister, Betty Modlin; his brother, William Pinkerton Jr. (Janet); niece, Lisa Horwich (Jim); nephew, Russ Pinkerton III (Alicia); several grandnephews, Jordan, Henry and Max; grandnieces, Madison and Penny, and stepdaughter, Kristen Shaner (Bill).
Bob’s family would like to add a special thanks to all of the staff at Landon Ridge Assisted Living and Bristol Hospice. We would also like to thank Lila who was a devoted companion during his final days and hours.
A visitation will be held at Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Morton, on Saturday, January 27, between 9 and 10:30. The visitation will be followed by a graveside service at Pulliam Cemetery, North of Modesto, Ill.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Rotary Club of Morton Scholarship Endowment Fund in care of Morton Community Foundation.
