Robert Cumpston
COLFAX – This is the story of Robert Cumpston. Bob was an amazing man who could make metal smile through his works of art known now around the country. He left an impression, smile and a joke wherever he went! He and his wife, Donna, spent endless miles traveling the country where they enjoyed time with all of their artist friends and valued customers. He always gave more than he ever asked for in return. In the beginning of his career before he started working with metal, he was known as the Wooden Weed Pot man and yes, he got mail addressed that way! Want to get a glimpse of his art work? Google him or visit several pieces at the Miller Park Zoo in Bloomington.
Born on July 27, 1930 on his family’s farm in Colfax, the son of Virgil and Doris (Weeks) Cumpston. He passed away peacefully on that same farm July 9, 2018. He lived there for nearly 88 years except for his time in the United States Air Force where he served proudly.
He was one of the founders of EMCAA (Eastern McLean County Ambulance Association) where he and his wife Donna and several friends decided that Colfax needed an ambulance. They worked together to raise the money and buy the first Ambulance where he also volunteered as a driver. He also loved and supported the food pantry at the Colfax Methodist church with his time and trips to Midwest Food Pantry to pick up and deliver food for his community.
He loved people and people loved him. He never met a stranger and he was never a stranger to you after you met him. He has so many valued and treasured friends that he shared so many memories with. Bob stayed involved and was a life member of the American Legion post 653 of Colfax where he was a past commander. He was also a devoted member of the AmVets, VFW and the 40/8 lodge. As a 62 year and life member of the Masonic Lodge and Mohammed Shriners, there are still kids (now adults) who remember him taking them to the Shriners circus each year.
Loved ones that cleared the path for Bob are his wife, Donna Cumpston; his father, Virgil Cumpston; his mother, Doris Cumpston; his sister, Betty VanDyke; his son, Kim Cumpston; his Great-Granddaughters, Kelley Jo and Mackenzie Corda.
A more unique and interesting man with as big of a giving heart as Bob would be hard to find, and his family loved him with all their hearts. He worked hard, collected stories, shared stories and gave them memories and love that will stay with them forever. Every grandchild got the same wisdom and advice from him, “Don’t drink your bath water”. He will be greatly missed by his daughter, Shar (Sam) Robinson of Ft. Meyer, Florida; his son, Cameron (Debbie) Cumpston of LeRoy; daughter, Traci Cole of Normal; daughter, Kelly Wickware of Peoria; eight grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren.
We will rejoice in his memory, his life and his love with a visitation at Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Colfax on Saturday July 14, 2018 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. with a Masonic service at 7 p.m. His celebration of life will be on Saturday July 21, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Colfax. Inurnment will follow at Wiley Cemetery with full military rites accorded by the Davis Kerber American Legion Post 653. Memorial contributions may be given to the America Legion Post 653, EMCAA (Eastern McLean County Ambulance Assoc.), and Ridgeview Food Bank in Bob’s memory.
And so the story goes on until we see you again Dad-Grandpa-Great Grandpa-Uncle-Brother In Law and dear friend.
We love you and miss you Dad. “Rust in Peace”
A guest registry is available at www.duffypilsmemorialhome.com.
Nina Mae Simpson Kidby
Nina Kidby, 94, of Ronkonkoma, NY, formerly of Fairbury, passed away July 10, 2018 in Lake Ronkonkoma, NY. Nina was born December 23, 1923 at Fairbury, IL to Grover and Kittie Knisley Simpson. She married, first, Howard M. Weaver on Jan. 25, 1943, Later she married Thomas Kidby on June 30, 1947. She is preceded in death by her parents; 2 brothers, Clarence and Ralph Simpson; 4 sisters, Paulette Bazzell, Rowena Steidinger, Ethel Luttrell, and Mildred ‘Cille’ Hicks.
Survivors include 1 brother, Thomas Simpson of Fairbury; her daughter, Rita (George) Clark, Fairbury; her son George (Betsy) Kidby of Greenport, NY; grandchildren, Robin (Curt) Friedman; Rebekah (Dan) Fehr both of Fairbury; Thomas (Jill) Kidby; and George (Michelle) Kidby, both of Holbrook, New York; 4 step-grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren and 7 step-great grandchildren.
She worked at the St. Mary’s Nearly New Shop right up to the time of her passing.
Nina grew up on a farm south of Fairbury, later moving to Odell, where she graduated from Odell High School. After graduation, her life took her many places and she moved to Long Island New York where she has lived for many years. Family was the highlight of her life and she enjoyed going to family functions.
Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Monday, July 16, 2018 at Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury with a 10:30 a.m. graveside service at Graceland Cemetery, Fairbury, on Tuesday, July 17, 2018.
A registry is available at www.duffypilsmemorialhome.com.
