Robert Bruce, 87 of Fairfield, passed away at 7:43 AM, Sunday, August 13, 2023, at Wabash Christian Village in Carmi. Born on November 3, 1935, in Fairfield to William “Bill” and Muriel (Jones) Bruce, he married Mary Jo Austin on December 25, 1953. Together they owned and operated Bruce Hardwood Lumber, a sawmill and logging operation from 1964 to 2004. Robert was a longtime member of the First Christian Church, and he enjoyed fellowship with the other members. He also loved swapping stories about when he was young and about his kids’ antics growing up.
Robert is survived by his wife Mary Jo of Fairfield, children John Bruce of Atlanta, GA, Coy Bruce of Eastpointe, MI, Betsy Johnson of Aurora, IL, and Becky Bruce of Sandford, FL; grandchildren Ashley (Jeff) Vertucci, Kelsey (Joe) Zeman, and Jesse Bruce; and his great grandchildren Olivia, Gia, Rocky, Frank Robert, Bennett William, Isaiah, Noah, and Alena. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Raymond Bruce.
Funeral services for Robert Bruce will be held at 10 AM, Saturday, August 19th at the First Christian Church in Fairfield, with burial to follow in Thomason Cemetery in Wayne City, IL. Visitation will be held on Friday from 5-7 PM at the Church. The family requests casual dress for those attending. Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
