Robert Edward Brumby (Bob), age 96, passed away on December 12, 2024. He was born on April 22, 1928, in Bowen, IL, to Harry and Ruby Brumby (Graham). Bob was the youngest of two. His older sister was Cornelia Murphy. Bob graduated from Quincy High School, Quincy, IL in 1946. He was on the Rifle Team and played the French horn in the band.
Bob met his future wife, Ruth Garmer, at the Bethel Church youth group. When he went to attend the University of Illinois in Champaign, Ruth wrote him a nice letter. They started dating when he came home for visits and summer breaks. In June, 1950, he graduated with a Structural Engineering Degree. Bob and Ruth were then married on June 20, 1950, and moved to St. Louis.
In 1953, Bob was drafted into the U.S. Army and sent to Ft. Leonard Wood, MO. In 1954, their first daughter, Carol, was born at the Army base. He finished his time with the Army serving in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. They moved back to St. Louis where Elaine was born in 1956.
Bob, Ruth and family settled in Memphis, TN in 1958. In 1962, Alice was born; and in 1965, Robert (Rob) was born. The family enjoyed many summers going camping, boating and water skiing. Bob and Ruth were actively involved in their church choirs. Bob would often lead the congregation in singing hymns while Ruth accompanied on the piano.
In 1970, the family moved to Buffalo Grove, IL where they attended Palatine Assembly for many years. Bob was able to use his structural engineering skills and designed a new church building for Palatine. After retiring, Bob and Ruth started traveling across the country with their fifth wheel. This enabled them to spend time with family and friends. Their journeys took them to many beautiful national parks in the U.S. and Canada. Bob enjoyed his travels, visiting with family and friends, boating and camping. Most of all, he loved his family and the Lord.
Bob was predeceased by his parents, sister, and wife. He is survived by his children, Carol (Mark) Ramcke, Elaine (Randall) Korby, Alice (Michael) Blackman, and Robert (Annette) Brumby. Bob is also survived by 15 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Family Visitation will be at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at Sellars Funeral Home, Lebanon, TN. Public Visitation will follow at 10:00 a.m. The Celebration of Life will be at 11:00 a.m. Interment is at Cedar Grove Cemetery in Lebanon.
Arrangements by Sellars Funeral Home, Lebanon, TN, 615.444.9393.
