Robert D. Verhines, 86 of Sycamore died Saturday, July 21, 2012 at the Bethany Health Care and Rehab Center.

He was born August 20, 1925 in Chicago, the son of Robert C. and Marie (Bartlet) Verhines. Robert met Doris Williams at the Franklin Life Insurance Company in 1953 in Springfield, where they both worked. They dated for 8 days, before getting married on the 9th day.

Robert served in the U.S. Army for four years from 1948 to 1952. He also served combat duty as a member of the Merchant Marine for six months during World War ll. He worked as the assistant manager/ trade book manager at the NIU Bookstore for 25 years.

The family will remember Robert as a wonderful father and husband. He was an avid reader and also enjoyed political TV talk shows and nature shows.

Robert is survived by one son, Joseph Verhines of Sycamore; one daughter, Vickie (Scott) Mayeda of Virden; two grandchildren, Sarah (Kyle) Lazell of Springfield and Betsy Mayeda of Virden; one brother, Donald Verhines of Mt. Vernon; one sister, Mary Wheeler of Springfield; and several nieces and nephews in central and southern Illinois.

He ws preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Doris.

Robert requested no visitation or services. Memorials can be made for Robert Verhines in care of the Butala Funeral Home and Crematory, 1405 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore, IL. 60178. For info or to sign the online guest book, go to www.ButalaFuneralHomes.com or call 815-895-2833.