Robert “Bob” “Roby” L. Dawe, 79, of Springfield, IL, beloved husband, father, grandfather passed away on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at Springfield Memorial Hospital.

Bob was born in Freeport, IL, on December 21, 1946, the son of Cletus and Mary Dorothy (McHenry) Dawe.

Bob attended Elizabeth High School and graduated in 1965. He then attended the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering. He met and married Marlene Shepherd on October 21, 1967.

Bob worked for the Illinois Department of Transportation for 34 years as a Civil Engineer, specializing in bridges and structures. He was a diehard Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears fan and especially enjoyed attending sporting events for his children and grandchildren. Bob also enjoyed golfing, fishing, hunting, traveling, camping, and capturing family memories on film.

Bob and Marlene attended Woodside Methodist Church in Springfield for several years, where Bob held several leadership positions throughout the years.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister-in-law, Lynette Duffy; brothers-in-law, Wayne Shepherd and David Gruendler; and his beloved pets, Flash the horse, and his dogs, Ike, Happy, and Tippy.

Bob is survived by his wife, Marlene; daughter, Lora (Rick) Furlong, of Litchfield; son, Bryan (Erin) Dawe, of Palatine; grandchildren, Valerie (Laith) Furlong Russell, of Highland, Sadie Dawe, and Avery Dawe of Palatine; two sisters, Joanne Gruendler of Freeport, IL, and Mary Ellen (Bill) Cobine of Elizabeth, IL; brother-in-law, Michael Duffy of Edgerton, WI; sister-in-law, Maureen Shepherd of Albuquerque, NM; as well as several nieces and nephews, Sheri Lenthe, Michael Duffy, Kim Sackett, Bobby Shepherd, Rob Cobine, Rick Cobine, Barb Klever and Amy Fogel.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Wilson Park Funeral Home, 200 E. Main St., Rochester.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Rochester Township Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Safe Haven for Pets, 1471 U.S. Hwy. 20 W., Elizabeth, IL 61028, or to the Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Road, Springfield, IL 62702.

Wilson Park Funeral Home in Rochester is in charge of arrangements.