Robert Clifton Oitker's Obituary
Robert (Bob) C. Oitker passed away on January 5, 2026 at home surrounded by his family. He was born May 13, 1946 at Saint John's Hospital in Springfield, IL. He was the only son of Robert E. and Charlotte (Weis) Oitker.
Bob grew up on South 4th Street in Springfield, attended Cathedral Catholic Grade School, and later graduated from Springfield High School in May of 1964. After high school, he served in the U.S. Army from December 1965 until November 1967 where he was stationed in Hanau, Germany near Frankfurt. Upon returning home from the service, he was hired as a civilian to work with the Illinois State Police at their radio lab installing the needed equipment to outfit police cars for communications. He worked there until his retirement in December of 2002.
In late 1968 and early 1969, he joined and became a life member of both the Mason's and Scottish Rites of central Illinois; also, in 1969, he became a member of Ansar Shrine. During his time as an active member of Ansar Shrine, he held many positions from president of the Capitol City Shrine Club, Commander of the Legion of Honor, Drum Sergeant of the parade unit, an esteemed member of the Royal Order of Jesters Court 20, numerous aide and director positions, and was elected to be Ansar Shrine's 89th Potentate in 2003.
Bob married the love of his life, Sharon Kay (Taylor) on July 12, 1969 at the Church of the Little Flower in Springfield, IL. Bob and Sharon have 2 children, 6 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren: [Bob's son] Robert W. and his wife, Shannon Oitker, Nathan (wife: Abigail) Oitker, Tyler Oitker, Aubrey Haerr (husband: Ty, and daughter: Parker), and Brooke Oitker. [Bob's daughter] Amy (husband: Bryan) Betzer, Logan Betzer (wife: Brit, and son: Landon), and Keegan Betzer.
Bob was a member of Heritage Community Church in Fruitland Park, FL and West Side
Christian Church in Springfield, IL.
There will be a celebration of life on Sunday January 11th, at 4:00pm at:
Heritage Community Church
509 West Berckman Street
Fruitland Park, FL 34731
He will be laid to rest at the Florida National Military Cemetery in Bushnell, FL on Monday, January 12, 2026.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to:
Shriner's Children's Hospital
℅: Office of Philanthropy
2900 N. Rocky Point Drive
Tampa, FL 33607
Recipient Hospital designation: St. Louis, MO
(donations can be made at the Shriner's Hospital website)
Or to: Hope Lutheran Church
℅: MY TIME (in memory of Bob Oitker)
250 Avenida Los Angelos
The Villages, FL 32162
Online condolences may be shared by visiting https://www.bankspagetheus.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Banks/Page-Theus Funerals and Cremations.
What’s your fondest memory of Robert?
What’s a lesson you learned from Robert?
Share a story where Robert's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Robert you’ll never forget.
How did Robert make you smile?
