James ‘Bob’ Robert Lentz, 77, of Hillsboro, died Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, at Hillsboro Rehab and Health Care Center.
A celebration of life will be held Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, at First Baptist Church in Hillsboro at 10 a.m., with David Beeler officiating. Mr. Lentz had requested blue jean attire for those who attend.
Mr. Lentz was born to James and Mary Lentz on April 17, 1948, in Hillsboro. After he graduated from Hillsboro High School, he continued his education at Greenville College, then earned his master’s degree from Eastern Illinois University in 1972. Mr. Lentz began his teaching career at Coffeen School; he later taught and was the principal of Donnellson School.
Following the death of his father in 1978, Mr. Lentz left teaching to oversee the Ellington Farm, north of Donnellson. In 1996, he was elected to the Farm Bureau board of directors, where he served in different roles for the next nine years, including director, president and treasurer. In 2004, he was hired as manager of the Montgomery County Farm Bureau until his retirement in 2018.
Mr. Lentz served on the Donnellson Cemetery Board, was a lifetime member of the National Association of School Principals, a member of the Illinois Farm Bureau, the National Rifle Association and First Baptist Church of Hillsboro.
Mr. Lentz enjoyed collecting and restoring old tractors, farm equipment and cars, including his 1951 Oliver 77, a 1948 International H and his Ford Galaxie 500 Fast Back, which he had driven during his college years. He also enjoyed a BMW motorcycle, collecting pig memorabilia and shooting clay pigeons with his friends.
Mr. Lentz is survived by his brother, E. Richard (Joyce) Lentz of Carrollton; sister, Marlyn (Gary) McCafferty of Hillsboro; nieces, Dawn McCafferty of Hillsboro, Kay (Roger) McElroy of Litchfield, Michelle (Aaron) Hopper of Jerseyville and Melissa Lentz of Carrollton; nephew, Mark (Michelle) Borcherding of Chesterfield, MO; great-nieces, Kaitlin (Connor) Jachino, Allison (Michael) Behrends, Helena Borcherding, Nora Borcherding, Elizabeth Lyons, Lauren Lyons, Emma Lyons, Emily Hopper and Eden Hopper; great-nephews, Tarron McElroy, Alexander Sticha and Evan (Whitney) Hopper; and great-great-niece, Joy Jachino.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Jean Borcherding; and brother-in-law Elwood Borcherding.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggest donations to Donnellson Cemetery. Hough Dean is assisting the family. To leave online condolences, please visit www.houghdeanfh.com.
