Dr. Robert E. Blagg, D.D.S.

CHARLESTON – Dr. Robert E. Blagg, D.D.S., 96, of Charleston, passed away Saturday, June 22, 2024 at SBLHC.

His funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, June 27, 2024 at the Harper-Swickard Funeral Home.  Burial with military rites by Paul McVey V.F.W. Post #1592 and its' auxiliary and Charleston American Legion Post #93 will follow in Mound Cemetery, Charleston.  Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home.  Memorials:  Catholic Charities.

Robert was born June 9, 1928 in Charleston, Illinois, son of Clyde and Mabel (Haddock) Blagg.  He married Barbara Ann Twigg, April 15, 1961 at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, rural Paris, Illinois; she survives.  Also surviving is one son, James (Gina) Blagg of Charleston; grandchildren, Justyn (Allison) Blagg of McKinney, TX, Jarrod Blagg of Shiloh, IL, Garrison Blagg and Olivia Blagg, both of Charleston; one great-grandchild, Connor Blagg of McKinney, TX; bonus family, Megan (Evan) Stoltz and Madison Endsley; and brother, Joe Blagg of Marshall, as well as several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Juanita Blagg, a brother, John Blagg, and two sons, Robert David Blagg and Michael Andrew Blagg.

Robert was a U.S. Navy veteran of the Korean War.   He went to Aviation School and his job was Aviation Structural Mechanic.  During his Navy career, he was stationed at Navy Pier in Chicago and later went to Washington, D.C.  It was while Robert was in the Navy, he decided he wanted to be a Dentist.  He spent two years at EIU and was then accepted at University of Illinois – Chicago Dental School.  While in Dental School, Robert had to work his way through school, as a Waiter and in Interstate Road Construction.  Upon graduation in 1958, he returned to Charleston to establish his practice, working alongside Dr. Griffith.  One of the things that set Robert apart from other dentists, was his willingness to check up on his patients after their procedures, and he never turned a patient away for inability to pay.  He thought no one should suffer.  Robert was a practicing Dentist up until the age of 90.  It was with the help of two valuable employees, Judy Craig and Becky Hanner, that Robert was able to maintain his practice for so long.  He was a charter member of the Charleston Kiwanis, being active for more than fifty years.  Robert  held memberships in the American Legion and the Illinois Dental Association.

It was at a square dance, Robert met the love of his life Barbara, and they continued square dancing until they were in their sixties.  He enjoyed spending time with family, often taking them boating on Lake Mattoon.  Robert took a great deal of pride in gardening, especially his sweet corn, checking on its' progress daily.  He had been brought up on a farm, and he never got far away from his roots.  Robert volunteered at the Red, White, and Blue days at Morton Park until age 94.  He was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Robert always took the time to be involved with his Grandchildren, eager to keep up with what was going on in their lives, and was their biggest fan at school and sports activities.