Robert Franklin Rayburn (Bob), 79, of Springfield, left this life to meet our Lord and Savior on January 10, 2018. Bob was born to Mary and Clyde Rayburn on May 27, 1938, in Point Pleasant, West Virginia. Bob married Lona Kay Shepherd on September 29, 1967, in Columbus, Ohio.

Bob was a self-employed cafeteria manager in different establishments throughout the state. He was an avid vegetable gardener and especially enjoyed his tomatoes. He loved playing cards, euchre his favorite, with his family and taught two generations how to play tonk. He hated to lose and loved to gloat. Even though blind most of his life, he never backed down from a challenge and lived his life to the fullest. Since his wife’s passing, his friendship with Neva Wooliver (Kay’s sister) has been an absolute blessing.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Kay Rayburn. He is survived by his loving children, Raymond Randy Shepherd and wife Bridgette of Springfield and Rebecca Ann Ito and husband David of Saint Robert, Missouri. He has six grandchildren: James, Kirby, Colby, Jeremy, Jennifer and Sumiko. He is also survived by two brothers; Clyde and John, and four sisters; Jean, Shirley, Barbara and Betty; and a host of family and friends. Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 pm, Monday, January 15, 2018, at Geenlawn Funeral Home North and service will be at 1:00 pm, Tuesday, January 16, 2018.