Robert Neal Milton

Robert “Bob” Neal Milton, 88, of Limestone, passed away, Tuesday, October 10, 2023, at Riverside Medical Center. He was born April 15, 1935, the son of Ellsworth and Valedda Milton, and grew up on the family farm in Rockville Township. Bob was a veteran of the United States Army. On July 31, 1971, he married Sandra Coen in Kankakee. Bob Milton was the epitome of a dedicated family farmer, who worked tirelessly every day to keep his farm profitable and looking its best. Bob was an animal lover. His livestock was always treated humanely and respectfully — Bob believed in compassion for all animals. He also kept his tractors and implements serviced, cleaned, and waxed. He took immense pride in his role as a farmer. He appreciated being able to work outdoors, and his favorite task was cultivating the fields each year. He took his dogs with him in the tractors, and anyone could tell that he was happiest up there, surveying the vast land with admiration as he worked its soil. Social interactions weren’t Bob’s strength, he’d be the first to tell you that, however, kids, animals, farmers and almost anyone — enjoyed being around him. It is surmised that it was Bob’s genuineness and lack of pretense that drew others to him. He didn’t judge or concern himself with material things— he was simply content with his life as “just a farmer.” But those who knew and loved him knew he was SO much more than that! Bob will be intensely missed and his presence felt with the fall of each spring shower and in the glow of each harvest moon. Bob is survived by his daughter, Holly (Ian) Milton of Washington; a grandson, Tyler (Anabel) Wadley Port Orchard, WA; 2 great grandchildren, Avery and Emmett Wadley; his step-children, Thomas (Jin-Jin) Nelson of Japan, Annette (Scott) Clyden of Kankakee, and April Morales of Bradley; 9 step-grandchildren and 16 great step-grandchildren; his beloved dogs, Josey (aka Juicy) and Bella; special caregivers, Krystal Ramirez and Ashley O’Quinn; and his good friend and neighbor, Butch Vinke. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sandra Milton; his parents; brothers, Wayne, Wendell, Sherman, and Dale Milton, two sisters, Fostine Schwark and Vesta Klafta; a nephew, Eric Milton; two stepsons, James Morris, and John Morris; son-in-law, Scott Clyden; two step-grandchildren, Joshua Palenik and Jolene Sanders. As per Bob’s wishes, no services will be held. Memorials may be made to Uplifted Care of Bourbonnais or Farm Aid, (farmaid.org). Please email the family to notify them of a gift made in Bob’s memory, if you would like, to: farmgirl5459@yahoo.com.