Robert L. Vits

March 31, 1941 — July 9, 2021

Robert L. Vits, 80, of Pana, passed away Friday, July 9, 2021 in Decatur Memorial Hospital. He was born March 31, 1941 in Pana, son of the late Robert F. & Madonna Gertrude (Politte) Vits. Robert mar- ried Martha Rankin and she survives in Pana.

Robert was a graduate of Pana High School, Class of 1959 and served in the Army National Guard. He worked at Firestone in Decatur from 1965-1975. After that he became a farmer, his true love.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children: Brian (Andrea) Vits, Littleton, Colo.; Christine Vits, Conifer, Colo.; Dennis (Tracie) Vits, Gilbert, Ariz.; grandchildren: Brian, Shannon, Ben, Ryan, James, Brandon (Brittany) & Mitchell; great-grandchildren: Braxton, Beckham & Bennett; step-children: Rick (Heidi) Sims, Evanston, Ill.; Bradley (Karen) Sims, Lexington, Ky.; Cheryl (Todd) Lehman, Champaign, Ill.; step-grandchildren: Jude, Sadie, Brad, Sara, Michelle, Evin (Sterling), Ethan, Drew & Blaine; step great-grandchildren: Evelyn & Teddy; and siblings: Michael Vits, Pana, Ill.; Gerald Vits, Eatonton, Ga.; Dolores Kelly, Tower Hill, Ill.; Janet Dahler, Leesburg, Fla.; Lila Stump, Pana, Ill. He was also preceded in death by his step great-grandson, Owen.

Graveside services for Robert will be held on Tuesday, July 13, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor Leon Goff officiat- ing in Calvary Cemetery, Pana. Visitation will be Monday, July 12, 2021 from 5 to 7 p.m. in McCracken-Dean Funeral Home.

Memorials in Robert’s honor may be made to the MDS Foundation (Myelodysplastic Syndrome), www.mds-founda- tion.org, and will be accepted by McCracken-Dean Funeral Home who is assisting the family.

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