Bobby Dean Bundren

Bobby Dean Bundren, 73, of Marion, Illinois, passed away on December 23, 2025, at Deaconess Gateway Hospital in Evansville, Indiana, with his loving wife by his side.

Bob was born on September 26, 1952, in Carbondale, Illinois, to Orval and Mary Ada Bundren. He attended Arnold Grade School and graduated from Crab Orchard High School in 1970. He had many friends and family at his home church, Arnold View Free Will Baptist Church.

Bob’s first job was at Bay’s Grocery, where he enjoyed the people he worked with and spoke fondly of his time there. After high school, he proudly joined the Army National Guard, serving for six years and attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. He later worked in the coal mines for ten years before beginning a long and successful career as a Financial Advisor/Certified Financial Consultant with Equitable/AXA, where he served clients for more than thirty‑five years. He was passionate about his work and was honored with the Outstanding Young Businessman of America award. After retirement, he worked part‑time for CE Daddy, teaching insurance ethics classes and helping create the program that earned the Torch Award from the Better Business Bureau.

In his spare time, Bob and his cousin, Deon, owned DJ Night Sounds and played at special events for more than twenty years. His love for music was unmatched, and he excelled at music trivia from the 60s through the 90s.

Bob was dedicated to giving back to his community. He was a long‑time member of Ainad Shriners and served as president of the Williamson County Shrine Club for two years. He received Shriner of the Year and often said, “I do it for the kids.” He served in many ways, including driving families in medical need to Shriners Hospital in St. Louis. He also served as the United Way Financial Advisor for a time.

Bob’s pride and joy were his sons—Bobby, Andy, and Brian. He loved helping them train as cross‑country runners, all of whom earned awards and college scholarships.

Bob married the love of his life, Pamela Elaine Boulton, in 1997. Together they made their home in Marion, Illinois, and enjoyed traveling, cruising, dining out, and spending time together. They loved hosting friends and family, and their home was always warm and welcoming. Their favorite place to visit was New Orleans, where they enjoyed its rich culture and cuisine.

Bob was an avid golfer who often outplayed his opponents. He loved golfing with his sons, brother‑in‑law, and friends. He was also a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan. One of his favorite traditions was the Bundren family Memorial Day weekend fishing trip, where countless memories were made. Bob was known for his great smile, kind heart, and unwavering integrity. He loved his family deeply and lived by the Golden Rule: “Treat others the way you would want to be treated.” He was a devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend.

Bob is survived by his wife, Pamela of Marion, Illinois; and his sons: Bobby (Brooke) Bundren of Makanda, Illinois; Andy (Marcy) Bundren of Jonesboro, Illinois; and Brian (Kristine) Bundren of Mahomet, Illinois. His bonus children: Paula (Mark) Stanley of Benton, Kentucky; Angela Dowdy of Mayfield, Kentucky; Suzanne (Eric) Lee of South Jordan, Utah; Benjamin Boulton of LaCenter, Kentucky; and Natalie (Dennis) Hooker of Reidland, Kentucky. Grandchildren: Madison Bundren of Chesterfield, Missouri; Brady (Regan) Bundren of Carbondale, Illinois; Mikayla Bundren, Miranda Bundren, and Melaina Bundren of Jonesboro, Illinois; Caleb (Addie) Bundren of Mahomet, Illinois; and Chloe Bundren of Mahomet, Illinois. Great‑grandson: Brooks Bundren of Carbondale, Illinois. Bonus grandchildren: Nickolas Boulton and Alex Andell of Mayfield, Kentucky; Hannah Lee of Missoula, Montana; Katherine (Jett) Fletcher of Lehi, Utah; Andrew Lee of South Jordan, Utah; and Alivia Korsun of Nashville, Tennessee. Bonus great‑grandson: Spencer Boulton of Mayfield, Kentucky. Siblings: Gary (Sharon) Bundren of Marion, Illinois; Brenda (Jerry) Upchurch of Marion, Illinois; and Robin (David) McKenzie of Marion, Illinois; along with many special nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Orval and Mary Ada Bundren, and his baby sister, Robbie Verlaine Bundren.

Visitation will be held Saturday, January 10, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at Blue Funeral Home in Marion, Illinois. Funeral services will begin at 10:00 a.m. with Brother Ivan Ryan and Bishop Eric Lee officiating. Burial will follow at Simmons Cemetery near Creal Springs, Illinois.