Robert S. “Bob” Rea-Benton, Illinois

Robert S. “Bob” Rea, 74, of Benton, Illinois, passed away at 10:21 p.m. on Monday, May 25, 2026, at Franklin Hospital, leaving behind a legacy of service, leadership, and devotion to the community he loved so deeply.

Born in Benton, Illinois, to S. Jerome and Mary Charles (Farris) Rea, Bob spent his entire life investing in the betterment of Franklin County and the people who called it home. A respected insurance agent and longtime owner and partner of SCD Rea & Sons Insurance Company in Benton, Bob dedicated more than five decades to serving local families and businesses with integrity, wisdom, and compassion. Bob spent these last seven years working alongside his partner and daughter, Hilary Rea Remm. He was proudly the third generation to run SCD Rea & Sons, the second oldest family operated business in Franklin County.

On May 1, 1981, Bob married the love of his life, Brenda J. Gould. Together they shared 45 years of marriage built on faith, family, and unwavering partnership.

Bob was far more than a businessman — he was a pillar of the Benton community and a passionate local historian whose love for Franklin County’s heritage shaped countless preservation efforts throughout the region. He served as President of the Franklin County Historical Preservation Society continuously since 1996 and was a past President and Director of the Franklin County Tourism Bureau. He dedicated hours to preserving stories through reenacting historical figures like Charlie Birger and General John A Logan for schools and tour groups. He also dedicated years restoring landmarks such as the Franklin County Jail Museum and the 1910s Garage Museum which earned him the admiration of friends, neighbors, and civic leaders alike. He contributed to multiple community improvements such as designing Capital Park and contributing to the design of the new Franklin County Courthouse.

A graduate of Eastern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management, Bob was also deeply involved in civic and professional organizations. He was a member of the Illinois Professional Insurance Agents Association, a loyal member of the Benton Rotary Club, served on the Benton Police Pension Fund and Benton Planning Commission. In recognition of his extraordinary service, he was named Benton/West City Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year in 1996 and received the Liberty Bell Award from the Franklin County Bar Association in 1998.

Bob was an active member of the Church Street Bible Study Group. Those who knew Bob will remember his generous spirit, steady guidance, quick wit, and genuine love for people and history. Whether mentoring young business owners, supporting community projects, sharing stories of Franklin County’s past, or spending time with family, Bob’s presence brought charisma and zeal wherever he went. Bob loved to play the bass, classical, and acoustic guitar while playing the harmonica and singing. A highlight of family gatherings would be concerts that he would stage with his grandchildren at home. He played bass guitar in several bands including The Beggar’s Opera and The Associated Sound in high school and later i.c. Blue. Bob also enjoyed traveling with his wife, friends and family and visiting his daughter Scarlett’s family in Alabama.

He is survived by his loving wife, Brenda J. Rea; daughters, Scarlett Kristen Rea Lyons and husband Dale Kenneth Lyons, Jr., and Hilary Jean Rea Remm and husband Paul Michael Remm; cherished grandchildren, Adeline Grace Lyons, Emmalise Faith Lyons, Sarah Hope Lyons, Ariadne Rahveen Remm, and Kai Nazareth Remm; and his sister, Mary Ellen Aiken and husband John D. Aiken.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his infant son, Robert Jefferson Rea.

Funeral Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.

Visitation will be held Friday, May 29, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the Benton Civic Center, 414 West Hudelson Street, Benton, Illinois.

A Celebration of Life will immediately follow at 2:00 p.m. at the Benton Civic Center.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Bob’s honor to the Franklin County Historic Preservation Society (can be mailed at PO Box 399, Benton, IL 62812) continuing the work and mission that meant so much to him throughout his life.