Robert William “Bozie” Bozarth, 79, of Springfield, died Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2020, at 12:10 p.m. at Sunrise Manor Nursing Home in Virden.
A private family graveside ceremony will be held in Chatham Memorial Cemetery in Chatham. Butler Funeral Home in Chatham is assisting the family.
Mr. Bozarth was born Oct. 29, 1941, in Springfield, the son of Elbert W. and Anna M. (Williams) Bozarth. He married Ann Swiney on Feb. 29, 1964, in Assumption, and she survives.
A graduate of Rochester High School, he served in the Illinois National Guard and worked in distribution at Camp Lincoln. After retiring from the National Guard, he assisted local farmers in harvesting their crops. He was an avid fisherman, and enjoyed woodworking and taking care of flowers. He was a member of the Chatham American Legion.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by daughters, Karen (husband Michael) Redenbaugh of Springfield and Janette (husband Quintin) Smith of Glenarm; five grandchildren, Karli (husband Luke) Jachino, Mary McGrath, Michael Redenbaugh, and Grace and Rylee Smith; six siblings, LeRoy (wife Sue) Bozarth of Rochester, Gary (wife Karen) Bozarth of Nokomis, Mark (wife Terry) Bozarth of Riverton, Carolyn (husband Bob) Folkes of Salt Lake City, UT, Barbara (husband Stan) Wilson of Loami and Judy (husband Steve) Richardson of Florida; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Brian Bozarth; one sister, Sandra Fisher; and his beloved beagle, Ginger.
Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 75817, Topeka, KS 66675 or the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight, 57 Country Place, Springfield, IL 62703.
Online condolences may be left at www.butlerfuneralhomes.com.
