Robert W. "Bob" Donath

Robert W. "Bob" Donath, 88, of Springfield, IL, passed away peacefully on Wednesday evening, January 17th, 2018 at his sons home in Kansas City, where he was surrounded by constant love during his final months. Bob was born May 25, 1929 in Lincoln, IL, the son of Henry and Marie Donath. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Arlette; his parents, Henry and Marie; and his brothers, Eugene and Wilfred. He is survived by his daughter, Susan Nickey and husband Mac (Chicago); son, Bill and wife Pattie (Kansas City); son, Jim and wife Melissa (Chicago); and his brother, Leo and wife Audrey (Kankakee, IL). Bob was the proud grandfather of two grandsons, Quinn and Brennan. Bob was a passionate aviator since high school. After graduating from Lincoln Community High School in Lincoln, IL, Bob joined the United States Air Force and served as a maintenance technician and instructor. Upon leaving the Air Force, he attended the University of Illinois, where he studied business. He began his professional career in aviation as a pilot before joining Capital Aviation in Springfield, IL (now Standard Aero) in the late 1950s. He worked as a demonstration pilot and aircraft salesman, and later as Vice President of Sales for all services in the Springfield facility. In 1978 he founded Donath Aircraft Services, a business aircraft brokerage and completion consulting firm, where he was president from 1978 until his retirement in 2007, at the age of 78. Donath Aircraft Services has continued under his son Jims leadership with Bob serving as an advisor up until his death. Bob was considered a leading innovator in the business aircraft cabin and paint completions industry during his career. Bob was an active parishioner of Blessed Sacrament Church for over 55 years, where his wife Arlette taught English and speech. Bob was a founding chairperson of Blessed Sacraments annual auction which to this day is an important parish fundraiser. He was also a member of Island Bay Yacht Club since 1964, where he was an avid sailor and served as the clubs Commodore in 1977. Bobs interests were many, but perhaps most notable was his passion for the game of golf, which he played almost daily at Pasfield Park since his retirement. He loved jazz, having performed in his own bands in high school and college as a drummer and occasionally on the bass. He played musical instruments throughout his life, including banjo and guitar, the latter which he was still practicing until recent days. Bob was dedicated to the pursuit of health and fitness, and was a regular at the Fit Club and St Johns cardio center where he exercised daily. Above all, Bob was extremely social, he enjoyed dining out most evenings with family and friends at many local restaurants. But most will remember Bob as a true gentleman with bright blue eyes, a kind smile and generous heart. Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 21, 2018 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. Sixth St., Springfield, IL. Visitation will begin with a prayer service at 4:00 p.m. Funeral Mass: 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 22, 2018 at Blessed Sacrament Church, 1725 S. Walnut, Springfield, IL with Rev. Jeff Grant, celebrant. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to American Lung Association, at: www.lung.org/get-involved/ways-to-give/ or the Arlette Donath Memorial Scholarship: Please make donation to Blessed Sacrament, 1725 S. Walnut St., Springfield with note in memo section: Arlette Donath Memorial Scholarship.