IL SR2047

Robert R. "Bob" Bigford of Rock Island passed away on September 17, 2018, and the Illinois Senate expresses condolences to his family and loved ones.

Bigford was born May 12, 1937, in Moline, graduated from Alleman High School in 1956, married Louise M. De Pooter in 1959, and served in the U.S. Army National Guard and Army Reserve.

Bigford worked 37 years with Oscar Mayer and served 15 years on the Rock Island County Board.

Active in his community, Bigford was a member of St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Milan, a past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus, and was recognized as a Community Hero by the John Deere Classic in 2017 for decades of volunteer service.

Bigford is survived by his wife Louise, five children including Sergeant First Class Bradley Bigford, 11 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and two sisters.