Robert “Bob” E. Bon Durant, Jr., age sixty‑four, concluded his earthly journey on December 22, 2025, while under care at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, Illinois. Born July 25, 1961, in Terre Haute, Indiana, to Robert E. and Joyce Garner Bon Durant, Sr., he grew up immersed in Midwestern traditions of perseverance, honesty, and devotion to community.
On July 1, 2000, he wed Mary Haney at Divernon Methodist Church, beginning a marriage defined by affection, stability, and shared companionship in the welcoming village of Divernon. Their household became a sanctuary of laughter, warmth, and the loyal presence of cherished dogs.
Bob’s academic path reflected both brilliance and determination. A graduate of Robinson High School and recognized as a National Merit Scholarship finalist, he advanced to Knox College before completing a Juris Doctor at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. These achievements prepared him for a distinguished career as an Administrative Law Judge with the Illinois Department of Employment Security, where he served for more than twenty years.
His lifelong association with the Boy Scouts profoundly shaped his character. Attaining Eagle Scout rank in his youth, he remained engaged with scouting throughout adulthood, embodying principles of leadership, service, and responsibility. His mentorship of younger generations reinforced values of integrity and civic duty, extending his influence well beyond his immediate family and community.
Outside of professional and civic endeavors, Bob delighted in culinary pursuits. He frequently prepared meals for gatherings linked to the Capital Canine Training Club agility trials, where his cooking fostered fellowship among dog enthusiasts. His daily life revolved around his three beloved companions—Tanner Isaac, Buddy Isaiah, and Sealey Andrew—reflecting his devotion to family, pets, and the simple joys of home life in Divernon.
He is survived by his wife, Mary; his parents, Robert and Joyce Bon Durant of Brazil, Indiana; brothers Gregory (Debra) of Terre Haute and Jonathan (Melissa) of Highland, Illinois; mother‑in‑law Evelyn Waller of Taylorville; brothers‑in‑law Dean (Cynthia) Haney of Buddha, Texas, and Carl (Shawn) Haney of Bloomington, Illinois; and numerous extended relatives. Preceding him in death were grandparents John and Anna Garner and Edward and Bertha Bon Durant, brother‑in‑law Dale Haney, and his earlier dogs, Holly Elizabeth and Toby Michael. This broad family network reflects the deep relationships he cultivated throughout his life.
The people of Divernon honor Robert “Bob” E. Bon Durant, Jr. as a man whose life was marked by academic accomplishment, professional dedication, lifelong service to scouting, and unwavering devotion to family and pets. His legacy of kindness, fairness, and quiet strength will continue to resonate, leaving a lasting impression on those who knew him both in Illinois and beyond.
