Robert F. Cusick, 77, of Allendale, Illinois, saw his Savior face to face at 10:45 a.m. Sunday, September 28, 2025, at Linda E. White Hospice House surrounded by his loving family. He was born, the son of George Robert and Pearl Elizabeth (Winter) Cusick, on August 25, 1948, in Princeton, Indiana. On August 31, 1969, he married his high school sweetheart, Connie Maxine Ford, in the Wabash Presbyterian Church in Orio, Illinois, and she survives.
Following graduation from Allendale High School, in Allendale, Illinois, Robert graduated from Southern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science in Plant Science in 1971. After graduation, Robert accepted employment with LAMAC Engineering, he then took a position with Farm Business Farm Management then continued his career in the Engineering field with Dallas Consulting and retired from Neikirk Engineering, LLC in 2017. While Robert was widely known for his high standards and attention to detail on highway construction projects, design and surveying, his true career passion began at a tender age of 12 when he rented his first farm. Farming with his dad and grandad, he learned the value and enjoyment of working, in his words, “tilling God’s earth”; for 65 years he enjoyed season after season with his favorite being the Harvest. From large fields to his personal garden, he had many bountiful harvests. In recent years he enjoyed riding on the tractor and combine alongside his son.
Robert was a lifelong member of The First Christian Church of Allendale and poured his heart into the church body. He loved the Lord and served Him in ministry as an Elder for more than 30 years, church Treasurer, and Trustee. He taught Sunday School, enjoyed preparing for Vacation Bible School, attended Kingdom Builders monthly gatherings and was a part of the FCC annual Palm Sunday Men’s Breakfast his entire life. The annual Orio Chowder became a part of life for Robert and Connie, oftentimes they spent their anniversary prepping and stirring. Robert attended the Lost Bridge Great Banquet, Decatur, Illinois, in May of 2000; the Great Banquet provided yet another way to serve his Master. He served the Great Banquet Ministry beginning in 2008 at Hickory Grove, Lawrence Correctional Center and Robinson Correctional Center; pointing these men to Christ was a spiritual harvest.
The Book of Proverbs was Robert’s favorite book of the Bible as it is the greatest source of wisdom. He loved his family well, led well and made certain his children knew the Truth found in the Word of God.
Robert joined the Allendale Ruritan Club in 1971 and served over the years as a working member, Secretary, Vice President, and President. The Allendale Volunteer Fire Department was dear to him and his father, both volunteers. He served on the Wabash County Housing Authority Board for 23 years finding joy in knowing he was on a team that had the community in mind. Robert spent countless hours researching, logging and eventually creating a directory for the Allendale Cemetery. He staked graves in his spare time, often in the dark before or after work and took great pride in the volunteer position. Robert had a great love of sports, especially basketball; traveling to Kansas to cheer on his beloved Wabash Valley College athletes brought much joy. As a young boy, he was very active in Boy Scouts and 4-H. The love of 4-H was passed down to his children and grandchildren as he never missed an opportunity to help with projects - especially the animals.
In addition to his wife of 56 years, he is survived by his children, Amy Neikirk and husband Mike, Mt. Carmel, Becky Lane and husband Andy, Allendale, Chris Cusick and his wife Kristi, Orio; seven grandchildren, Catherine Neikirk, Brock Lane and wife Kayla, Ashton Lane, Bryce Lane, Kinze Cusick, Chandler Cusick, Chloe Cusick; and great-grandson, Colter Lane. Brother John Cusick and wife Linda, Allendale, and honorary sister, Kay Ford, Mount Carmel.
He was preceded in death by his parents and infant sister, Alice Louise Cusick.
Friends are invited to visit with the family from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at Wabash Presbyterian Church, 11188 North 2300 Boulevard, Allendale, Illinois. The funeral services and graveside committal service (Orio Cemetery) will be held at the same location on Friday, October 3, 2025, at 10 a.m.
Lunch for family and friends will be provided at the Allendale Ruritan Building following graveside service.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Allendale Ruritan Club, Allendale Cemetery Fund or Hickory Grove Great Banquet.
Short - Cunningham Funeral Home, Mount Carmel, Illinois is honored to assist the family with arrangements.
Condolences may be made online at www.short-cunninghamfh.com
Short-Cunningham Funeral Home is honored to serve Cusick family
