Divernon, Illinois, bids a heartfelt farewell to one of its dedicated residents, Robert “Bob” E. Bon Durant, Jr., who passed away peacefully at the age of 64 on December 22, 2025, at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield. A native of Terre Haute, Indiana, born July 25, 1961, to Robert E. and Joyce Garner Bon Durant, Sr., Bob carried Midwestern values of hard work, integrity, and community throughout his life.
His marriage to Mary Haney on July 1, 2000, at Divernon Methodist Church marked the beginning of a loving partnership that anchored him in this small, welcoming village south of Springfield, where he built a home filled with warmth, laughter, and the constant companionship of his beloved dogs.
Bob pursued education with remarkable determination and success. After graduating from Robinson High School as a National Merit Scholarship finalist, he attended Knox College before earning his Doctorate of Jurisprudence from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. These accomplishments propelled him into a meaningful career as an Administrative Law Judge with the Illinois Department of Employment Security, a position he held for more than two decades.
Scouting remained a lifelong passion that shaped Bob’s character from youth into adulthood. Achieving the rank of Eagle Scout early on, he stayed actively involved in Boy Scouts throughout his entire life, embodying the organization’s principles of leadership, service, and personal responsibility. This enduring dedication allowed him to mentor young people and reinforce values of honor and community involvement, leaving a positive influence that extended far beyond his immediate family circle in rural Illinois.
Beyond his professional and scouting commitments, Bob found genuine joy in the simple pleasure of cooking. He particularly enjoyed preparing meals for events connected to the Capital Canine Training Club agility trials, where his culinary skills supported fellow dog lovers and created moments of shared fellowship. His household revolved around his three cherished dogs—Tanner Isaac, Buddy Isaiah, and Sealey Andrew—reflecting a lifestyle centered on family, pets, and the everyday delights that brought him contentment in Divernon.
Bob is survived by his devoted wife, Mary; his parents, Robert and Joyce Bon Durant of Brazil, Indiana; brothers Gregory (Debra) Bon Durant of Terre Haute, Indiana, and Jonathan (Melissa) Bon Durant of Highland, Illinois; mother-in-law Evelyn Waller of Taylorville, Illinois; brothers-in-law Dean (Cynthia) Haney of Buddha, Texas, and Carl (Shawn) Haney of Bloomington, Illinois; along with numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his 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 extensive family network stands as a testament to the deep connections he nurtured over the years.
In honoring Robert “Bob” E. Bon Durant, Jr., the community of Divernon celebrates a life well lived—one defined by academic excellence, professional integrity, lifelong scouting service, and profound devotion to family and furry companions. His legacy of fairness, kindness, and quiet dedication will continue to inspire gratitude and respect among all who knew him, leaving an enduring mark on the lives he touched in Illinois and beyond.