Robert Harvey Tapscott

Robert Harvey Tapscott, 71, of Petersburg, passed away on Monday, August 12, 2013 at St. John’s Hospice. He was born May 25, 1942 in Liberty, KY, the son of George and Nettie Tapscott. He graduated from Pleasant Plains High School and earned his Bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. He later earned his Master’s degree from Sangamon State University. He was a Vietnam veteran in the United States Army, 25th Inf. Division. He married Cathy Hodge on August 31, 1963, at Pleasant Plains Church of Christ.

He is survived by his wife of almost 50 years, Cathy, of Petersburg; one son Taber (wife Angela) Tapscott of Petersburg; his three beloved grandchildren, Micah, Hayden, and Lucas; his brother Kenneth (Wanda Widner) Tapscott of Pleasant Plains; sisters, Marsha Dempke of Ohio, Betty Tapscott of California, and Pamela (husband Ed) Swenson of California; sisters-in-law, Sue Tapscott of Mechanicsburg, Cindy Tapscott of Edinburg, and Carol (husband Bill) Dart of Arizona; mother-in-law Rita Hodge of Petersburg; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers George, David, and Michael Tapscott.

He was a charter member and officer in the Springfield Iron Riders Antique Motorcycle Club and a charter member and officer in the Havana EAA Chapter 1420 aircraft club. Over the years he enjoyed restoring several motorcycles, cars, and snowmobiles. In addition to being a pilot, he raced motorcycles for several decades. He truly enjoyed life to the fullest. He worked in Illinois state government for 33 years. His public service career started in the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings, in purchasing for IL Div. of Highways. He was part of a team that shaped the newly created IL Dept. of Transportation (IDOT). He was Bureau Chief of the Bureau of Personnel. He later was appointed the head of Statewide Personnel at the Dept. of Central Management Services (CMS). He retired from the Dept. of Revenue where he served for a brief period as the Agency’s Deputy Director before assuming agency-wide administrative responsibilities. After retirement he was Airport manager of the Havana Regional Airport. During this time many improvement projects were completed.

Services are under the direction of Bisch Funeral Home West, 2931 S. Koke Mill Rd., Springfield, where memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, August 17, 2013 from 10 am until time of the memorial service at 12 Noon. The memorial service will be officiated by Dr. Bob Swickard. Inurnment will follow at Pleasant Plains Cemetery. Per his wishes, cremation rites were accorded.

Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project or the Springfield Honor Flight.

Please visit the online “Life Remembered Story” at www.bischfuneralhomewest.com where tributes and condolences may be left for the family.