Robert Keith "Bob" Fair

Retired Sheriff Robert Keith "Bob" Fair, of Virginia, passed away at his home on Thursday, March 12, 2026.

He was born on July 12, 1951, in Beardstown, the son of Chester and Grace Deming Fair. On August 31, 1968, he married Delores "Dee" Brunk in Palmyra, Missouri. She survives in Virginia.

He is also survived by his daughter, Lisa Winnett (companion Jon German) of Virginia; his grandson, Jacob Winnett of Virginia; his great-grandson, Maddox Winnett; one sister, Karen Pherigo (husband Allen) of Chandlerville; one brother, Tommy Fair of Douglas Terrace DD Homes in Jacksonville; numerous nieces and nephews; and his loyal four-legged companion, Sugar. He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Nancy Case; and one brother, Kenny Fair.

Bob attended schools in Beardstown and Virginia and later earned his GED. He was always active and hardworking, often holding more than one job at a time. He began his career at Virginia Packing Company and Cass Meats before entering law enforcement as a part-time police officer for the City of Virginia, where he eventually served full-time. He later joined the Cass County Sheriff's Department as Chief Deputy for David Osmer, where he proudly served the citizens of Cass County and was elected to two terms as Sheriff. Bob was dedicated to protecting his community and took great pride in serving with integrity and commitment throughout his years in law enforcement. Serving the people of Cass County as Sheriff was a role Bob held with great pride and dedication. Even after his time in office, he remained proud of the badge he once carried and the community he served.

Bob loved taking rides on his Goldwing motorcycle with Dee and their dog, Sugar, riding in the sidecar. He also enjoyed spending time fishing with his grandson, Jacob. Though he worked many jobs throughout his life, he always made time for the things he enjoyed. He took pride in keeping his yard neat and caring for his outdoor flowers. He was known for his love of bald eagles and proudly displayed a collection of eagle figurines. Above all, Bob cherished his family, and the time spent together meant the most to him.

Bob grew up attending the Baptist Church in Beardstown and later attended Virginia United Methodist Church. He was also a Former Sheriff Member of the Illinois Sheriffs' Association.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Monday, March 16, 2026, at Colwell Memorial Home in Beardstown. Burial will follow in Walnut Ridge Cemetery in Virginia, where the Sangamon County Sheriff's Office Honor Guard will provide graveside honors.

The family will meet with friends from 2:00-5:00 PM Sunday, with additional public calling hours from 6:00-7:00 PM, when the family will not be present, at Colwell Memorial Home.

Although Bob appreciated the beauty of flowers, he and Dee were both sensitive to indoor flowers. Per Bob's request, in lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Virginia Volunteer Fire Department or the Douglas Terrace DD Homes Activity Fund.

Condolences may be left online at www.colwellmemorialhome.com or on Facebook at Colwell Memorial Home.