Robert Jerome Burgess

Robert Jerome Burgess, 81, of Marion, Illinois, formerly of Benton, Arkansas, went to his heavenly home on Saturday, September 4, 2021.

Robert was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, on June 14, 1940, the son of James and Esperanza "Frances" Maria (DeCosta) Burgess. He served in the United States Army and always honored and cherished our American flag. He later went on to work as a machinist for Control Automation, where he was a metal fabricator.

Robert regularly attended the Benton First Assembly of God Church and often worked in their food pantry. He loved to help and serve others. Robert had the gift of making others feel welcome and loved and seemed to never meet a stranger. He also enjoyed anything to do with cars, especially antique cars and reading his subscription to MotorTrend Magazine. Some of his hobbies included fishing, working crossword puzzle books, flea markets, yardsales, and riding his three wheeled bicycle around town collecting aluminum cans for recycling. He had a large family full of love.

He is survived by his son, William Burgess of Benton, Arkansas; his two step-children, Charles (and daughter, Carla) Rogers, and Crystal Holt; his grandchildren, Megan, Zack, Jacob, Emily, Katelyn, Kimberly, Charles, and Christopher; and his great-grandson, Cooper; his cousins, Fonda (Curt) Burroughs; Chase, Matt, and Luke Burroughs.

He is preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Juanita Smith.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, September 12, 2021 at 2:00 PM at Benton First Assembly of God, located at 1801 Hot Springs Highway.

Arrangements were entrusted to Binkley-Ross Funeral Home under the direction of Joni Binkley-Ross and Monte Blue. 618-997-7771