Robert Charles Sauter's Obituary
Springfield - Robert Charles Sauter (85 years old) passed away at Regency Care, Springfield, IL on August 24, 2023 after a lengthy illness. He was born on October 21, 1937 in the family home in rural Halls, MO to George and Martha Sauter. He graduated from Benton High School, St. Joseph, MO and subsequently entered the Air Force. He graduated from the Non-Commissioned Officer Academy and achieved the rank of Master Sergeant with 28 years of service by the time he retired. He ran a catering service with David Thompson while assigned to the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. and continued catering in Springfield, IL after retiring from the Air Force. Later he launched a third career with the Daily Bread organization in Springfield, IL and remained active there delivering daily lunches from the preparation site to distribution centers until he became ill almost 2 years ago.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents, George and Martha Sauter, six infant siblings, two sisters, Jo Ann DeVore and Carol Bosier, one brother, Donald Sauter, Sr. and his partner, David Thompson. He is survived by his husband, Robert W. Cody, two sisters, Shirley Gabriel, Independence, MO and Nancy Harris, Seguin, TX, two brothers, Arthur Sauter, Rockport, MO and Ralph Sauter, Georgetown, TX, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and extended members of the Cody family.
Robert was a gentle, caring soul who loved his family and his lengthy career with the Air Force, which took him all around the world, including two tours in Viet Nam. He enjoyed exploring the areas near his various duty stations and took many pictures to share with the "folks back home". He was also a diligent letter writer who kept his parents and siblings informed of his adventures. Bob enjoyed his free time after his military retirement doing yard work and playing with his dogs, Silly, Sally and Ed. In recent years he enjoyed having the cats, Flossie, Neo and Dottie in his home.
The body has been cremated under the direction of Moran & Goebel Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Decatur, IL. Robert had requested shortly before his death that no funeral service be held, but military honors will be provided at 1:00PM, Friday, September 22, 2023, at Camp Butler National Cemetery, Springfield, IL. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts could be given to an animal shelter (or another charity) of the donor's choice.
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