Robert L. Funderburk, 79, of Carlyle, died on Monday, Sept. 19, 2022, at 9:32 p.m. at SSM St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia.
Visitation will be held Thursday, Sept. 22, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the First Christian Church in Greenville. An additional visitation will be held Friday, Sept. 23, from 10 to 11 a.m. at the church. A Celebration of Life will follow, beginning at 11 a.m. at the church. Kalmer Memorial Service in Lebanon is assisting the family.
Mr. Funderburk was born May 6, 1943, in Rochester, to Lester Ray and Helen (Sexton) Funderburk, Sr. He married Debra Kapp, and she survives.
From age one, he lived in rural Edinburg. He attended Edinburg schools through his junior year, then graduated from Greenville High School. He went on to attend Greenville College and Kaskaskia College.
Mr. Funderburk began his food service career working at the Bel Air Restaurant in Greenville and later working for food service management companies as a hospital food manager.
In 1970, he leased the Hi De Ho Restaurant in Carlyle, purchasing it three years later along with the motel. He later added a banquet room and new motel rooms, as well as an off-premise catering service. He operated the Hi De Ho business until selling it in 1987.
Mr. Funderburk helped start Circle B Steakhouse in Greenville in 1985. One year later, he assumed full ownership and operated it until 2008. In addition, he operated LuBob’s Family Restaurant in Greenville from 1989 until present.
He was an active Jaycee and served as president of the Carlyle Chapter. He also served as member of the Carlyle Park Board and Carlyle High School vocational advisory board. From 1997 to 2009, he served as trustee on the Kaskaskia College Board.
Mr. Funderburk was a member of the American Quarterhorse Association and National Cutting Horse Association. He had a lifelong passion for good horses.
He was most proud of his children and all of their accomplishments.
In addition to his wife, Mr. Funderburk is survived by his children, Tricia (Mike) Billhartz of Breese, Robert L. (Sandy) Funderburk II, Cati (Chris) Barth, both of Greenville, Tim (Hope) Funderburk of Eureka, Danielle Funderburk of Flanagan and Lucas (Laura) Funderburk of Tyngsboro, MA; brother, Alfred Richard (Kay) Funderburk of Taylorville; and grandchildren, Alex Meissner, Faye Meissner, Kristin Gerdes, Amanda Zinkgraf, Zoe Hayes, Sophia Funderburk, Abram Funderburk, Mia Funderburk, Brennan Edens, Kora Edens, Aubry Edens, Lincoln Funderburk and Brody Barth.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Mary Lou (Vernon) Moore and Helen (Dwight) Anderson; and brothers, Lester Ray (Helen) Funderburk, Jr. and William Thomas “Tom” Funderburk of Pocahontas.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the First Christian Church in Greenville, 1100 Killarney Dr., Greenville, IL 62246. Online condolences to the family may be left at www.kalmermemorialservices.com.
