Robert Hilligoss Obituary

Robert Lee Hilligoss
Godfrey - Robert Lee Hilligoss, 81, died at 3:51 a.m. Monday, November 13, 2023 at his home in Godfrey. Born January 3, 1942 in Tuscola, IL, he was the son of Robert S. and Letha (Cook) Hilligoss. Mr. Hilligoss graduated from Mattoon High School and Eastern Illinois University. He was a social studies teacher for Westfield High School from 1964-1965. From there he taught at Divernon High School from 1966-1972 and then Rochester High School from 1972-1977. He then returned to Divernon High School and taught from 1990-2011. Along with teaching social studies, he was a basketball coach at each school. From 1977-2000 he owned and operated Browns Chicken and Shoe Factory in Alton. After retiring from teaching, he worked as a docent at The Lincoln Museum from 2010-2015. He had currently been working for Smart Choice Auto as a driver. On Friday evenings he enjoyed dancing at the VFW Hall and on Saturday's he danced at the Grafton Winery. He married the former Madonna Sue Barr on February 26, 1965 in Springfield, IL. She preceded him in death on August 11, 2017. He is survived by two sons, Kevin Hilligoss (Michelle) of Alton and Ryan Hilligoss of Cortland, IL, four grandchildren, Graham, Aurora, Audrey, and Annalynn as well as a step-grandchild, Brittany Pace (Corey). He is also survived by a brother, Rick Hilligoss of Bethalto and a sister, Ruth Hilligoss of Moro, brother and sister-in-law, Forrest and Glenda Wikoff of Decatur, his dancing partner and girlfriend, Donna "Donna 2" Monroe of Godfrey, a niece, Erin Hilligoss of Moro, two nephews, Joel Hilligoss of Ft. Worth, TX, and Travis Hilligoss of Moro, as well as several cousins and extended family who he was very close with. Along with his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a son, Sean Hilligoss and a brother, Ronald Hilligoss. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until time of funeral service at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, November 18, 2023 at Gent Funeral Home in Alton. Jay McCurdy will officiate. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com