Robert Kent Gray

Bob was born in West Frankfort, Illinois, on March 22, 1940, the son of Robert Ardell and Madge Marie Crews Gray. He married Judith Ann Santeford on August 15, 1964, in Chicago Heights, IL.

A lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan, Bob graduated from O’Fallon Township High School, and earned bachelor and master degrees from Southern Illinois University. He taught at Proviso West High School, The Ohio State University, and served as a school administrator at Dundee District 300. Bob and Judy moved to Springfield in early 1967, preceding a long career in Illinois state politics and government, retiring in 2002.

Bob was President of the Springfield Jaycees, President of the Illinois Jaycees, a longtime Sangamon County Republican Precinct Committeeman and member of the American Business Club. He was President and Co-Founder of the Citizens Club of Springfield, a platform dedicated to civic engagement and local improvement. Bob was recognized by the Springfield Chamber as an Outstanding Young Man in 1972; State Journal-Register as Springfield’s First Citizen in 2009; and inducted to the Illinois Jaycees Hall of Fame in 2022.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents and his wife of 55 years. He is survived by a son, Kent Gray of Springfield; grandsons, Harrison and Oliver Gray; and sister, Pamela McDaniel of Caseyville. In his later years, he found companionship with Vena Garrett, who became a significant part of his life.

Funeral Ceremony and Visitation: Funeral ceremony will begin at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 29, 2024, with Celebrant Judy Woerner officiating. Family will receive friends following the ceremony from 3:30 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., at Butler Funeral Home – Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.

Burial will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, September 30, 2024, at Oak Ridge Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Citizens Club of Springfield.