Bo Brotherton

Bo Brotherton, 70, of Oblong, Illinois, passed away on June 3, 2026, surrounded by loving family.

He was born Robert Lee Brotherton, Jr. on June 27, 1955, in Robinson, Illinois, to Robert and Elaine Brotherton and grew up in Stoy. He was a 1973 graduate of Oblong High School and attended Olney Central College for auto mechanics.

On August 30, 1980, he married Sara Hill, whom he loved and spoiled more than anyone will ever know. Together they had one daughter, Nikki, who adored him. In January of 2017, he stepped into his favorite role as BoPop to his granddaughter Moriah, whose bond was unbreakable.

Shortly after their marriage, Bo and Sara moved to Sapulpa, Oklahoma for ten years before returning to Oblong. Bo spent his entire career in the oil industry, retiring in December 2025 after decades of hard work.

Bo was an avid golfer who loved taking quarters from his buddies at Oak Glen Golf Course, where he had two hole-in-ones (#3 and #13). He enjoyed playing Wednesday-night poker and taking their money, too. His claim to fame was being the center on the undefeated 1972 Oblong Panther Football Team. Even though he was a humble man, we could tell you every play of every muddy game verbatim. Each fall, he would cheer for the Chicago Bears in hopes that it was going to be their year. He was a league bowler and coached both his wife and daughter in softball. He had a competitive spirit until the very end. He has a beautiful singing voice that he shared by singing to Sara at their wedding and then to Nikki at hers. He was a member of the Oblong Masonic Lodge and First Christian Church of Oblong.

Despite his hobbies and interests, nothing was more important to him than his family. Bo was one of the most selfless, loyal, and humble people you would ever meet. His actions spoke louder than words, as he would do things for others without expecting anything in return. His presence brought a sense of humor and comfort to those who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Elaine Brotherton; his sister, Paula Sheridan; his aunt, Pat Coulter; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Bob and Joan Hill.

He is survived by his wife, Sara; his daughter, Nikki and Matt Wimpelberg and granddaughter, Moriah Jieun Wimpelberg; his sister, Bobbi Keys; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Mindy and Stanley Miller; his nieces and nephews, Jennifer and Ben Drake, Crystal and Cory Sheets, Katie and Justin Parker, Polly and Mike Launey, Dirk Sheridan, Michael and Jona Keys, and Michelle Hill; as well as several great-nieces and great-nephews.

Bo leaves behind a wonderful legacy that is best seen when you look at the friends and family he held dear and in the small community that mourns beside them. We celebrate his life and the memories that we vow to keep alive for his granddaughter. He was one of the good ones.

A time of visitation will be held from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Monday, June 8th, at the First Christian Church of Oblong. A memorial service will immediately follow at 6:00 p.m. with Bro. Randy Nave officiating. During the service, family and friends will be given the opportunity to share their favorite memories of Bo. Memorial contributions may be made to "Both Hands," an organization that was instrumental in the adoption of Bo's granddaughter, Moriah. Memorials may be made online using this link, and memorial envelopes will be available at the church. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson is assisting the family at this time.