THE FOLLOWING OBITUARY IS PROVIDED BY SEARBY FUNERAL HOME OF DUQUOIN, IL
FOR COMPLETE ACCESS, PLEASE GO TO https://www.searbyfuneralhomes.com/obituary/robert-flavell-bob-appuhn
Robert Flavell (Bob) Appuhn passed on to his next assignment on Sunday, February 9, 2025.
Bob was born on April 15, 1948 in DuQuoin, Illinois to Lyle (Cotton) and Mary Olive (Flavell) Appuhn, the oldest of three. Growing up, he developed a passion for sports and music and listening to both on the radio. So of course, he spent his 50 year career in radio mostly as a sportscaster and dj. He graduated from DuQuoin High School in 1966, where he was a proud member of the 1964 state championship speech team and formed a band with his future brother-in-law. He went on to the University of Denver and graduated in 1970 with a mass communications major. The big moment in his life came when he asked Jan Maxton if she would like to go with him to the DuQuoin State Fair 1967 Labor Day night show featuring Louis Armstrong.
They were married on March 22, 1969 at the home of John and Nora Maclin. Bob and Jan would live and work in DuQuoin from 1970 to 1972, Bradford, PA from 1973 to 1977, Danville, IL from 1977 to 1988 and Logan, Utah from 1988 to 2015. His proudest professional moment came when he was selected to be the play by play voice for Utah State University after a national search. The only person ever named to that position in that manner. On June 3, 1981, they welcomed their daughter Katharine Ellen who was forever their pride and joy. In 2015, they retired and moved to Columbia, MO to be with Katharine, her family as well as many other family members and friends. Bob moved many times but he never really left the people. Road trips always included a stop to visit one of his many friends; some of the friendships dating back to grade school in DuQuoin.
Bob was a lifelong member of the First Presbyterian Church. He often combined his talents with ventures to entertain and help others. He sang in countless weddings, lent his voice to church fundraising events, and used his radio experience to reinvigorate his local church’s visibility in the Columbia area via commercials advertising the church’s yearly activities.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother-in-law (and guitarist) Roger Pyle. He is survived by his wife, Jan, daughter Katharine and her husband Aaron Hodges, and their three wonderful children, Macara, Amia and DJ and his sister Nonnie Flavell, his brother Bill and wife Virginia, numerous nieces and nephews and friends all over the country.
Friends may call at the Columbia, Missouri, First Presbyterian Church on Saturday, April 12 from 10:30-12 for a Celebration of Life in the Ramsey Fellowship Center.
In addition, a Celebration of Life will be held at Searby Funeral Home in DuQuoin, Illinois on Saturday, April 26 from 10-11 AM.
The family would love to hear from anyone who would like to share their memories on line or the device of your choosing.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to one of these organizations that Bob was involved with or raise a glass!
First Presbyterian Church, 6 Hitt St. Columbia Mo 65201
KBIA, School of Journalism, University of Missouri 215 Lee Hills Hall, Columbia, MO 65211
DuQuoin #30 Educational Foundation, Speech Club Fund, 845 East Jackson Street, DuQuoin, IL 62832
NubAbility Athletics, 221 East Main St. DuQuoin, IL 62832.
