ROBERT G. McNUTT

Mr. Robert Gurley McNutt, 88, of 732 North 49th, died at 12:05 a.m. Thursday (January 4, 2007) in North Adams Nursing Home in Mendon.

Born August 3, 1918 in Quincy, Robert was the son of James E. and Julia L. Gurley McNutt. He married Ruth E. Wollbrink on June 7, 1941 in Bluff Hall. She died December 11, 1966. He married Mary Fudge Ebert on July 26, 1968 in Quincy. She survives.

Robert was a graduate of Quincy High School and Honor Graduate of Western Illinois University with a Bachelor's Degree in Physics. He was a member of the Community of Christ Church, a life member of the Payson Masonic Lodge No. 379, a life member of Payson V. F. W. Post 2061, Quincy High Twelve Club No. 40, Quincy Museum, Mississippi Valley Archaeological Society, Central States Archaeological Society, Gem and Mineral Club of Quincy, Liberty Historical Society, Hancock County Historical Society and the Payson Senior Citizens, the 50 years club of W. I. U. and served as the Director of Region 13 of the Illinois Law Enforcement Commission. Mr. McNutt served his country in the European Theatre during WW II with the U. S. Army.

Robert enjoyed going to his farm, spending the winters in Green Valley, Arizona, fishing and rock hunting. He was credited with the discovery of a rare material found in Pike County which he named Payson Chert. While he worked at Curtis-Wright Aircraft Co. in St. Louis, Robert was credited with naming a cargo aircraft used during WW II, the Curtis Commando.
He also worked as a supervisor for Schaefer Pen Company and as an Insurance Adjustor.

Mr. McNutt owned and operated the Payson General Insurance Agency for many years. He and his wife Mary also owned Payson General Hardware. Robert also was the Chief Probation Officer for Adams County for 13 years and a Justice of the Peace. He was also a substitute teacher in the Payson School District and donated his free time to area schools to give archaeological lectures and workshops.

Surviving is his wife, Mary; a son, Dr. Kenneth McNutt and his wife Sandra of Hannibal, MO.; a daughter, Linda Hoskins and her husband James of Payson; a step son, Douglas F. Ebert and his wife Mary of Quincy; eight grandchildren, Robert A. "Tony" McNutt of Kansas City, MO., Renee McNutt of Hannibal, MO., Aaron McNutt and his wife Miriam of Raleigh, N.C., Tina Roth and her husband Rodney of Morton, IL., David Hoskins and his wife Becky of Quincy and Lisa Falk and her husband Doug, Joy Taylor and her husband Shawn and Julia Hoskins all of Payson; a step grandson, Roderick F. Ebert and his wife Megan of Bloomington, IL.; eleven great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Mr. McNutt was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Ruth; two brothers, James McNutt and George McNutt; and three sisters, Miriam Echols, Genevieve Thomas and Marjorie Bower.

Funeral services will be held Monday morning at 10:00 in the Zehender Robinson Stormer Cookson Funeral Home in Quincy by Dr. Steve Long and Rev. Ivan Greuter. Burial with Military Honors by Payson V.F.W. Post 2061 will be in Bluff Hall Cemetery.

Visitation will be Sunday evening from 4:00 to 7:00 and Monday until the time of services at the funeral home in Quincy. Payson Masonic Lodge No. 379 will conduct services Sunday evening at 7:00 at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to the Community of Christ Church or the charity of the donor's choice.

Robert G. was optimistic by nature and easy to converse with. His gentle approach to all things conquered the adversity of this world. His life shines by virtue of the little things. This true selfless peacemaker will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.