Garden Prairie, ILRobert Russell Mickey, 81, of Garden Prairie, passed from this earth and into the arms of Jesus on Tuesday, October 22, 2013, after a truck accident on Lawrenceville Road. He was born in Belvidere on July 4, 1932 to Robert C. and Esther (Russell) Mickey. Bob married the love of his life, Lucille Mae Grandgeorge, on March 24, 1962, having been married 51 years. He attended Lawrenceville Country School and graduated from Belvidere High School and the University of Illinois. Bob worked as a Federal Warehouse Grain Examiner, during which time he learned valuable knowledge about the Grain Industry. He then pursued his dream and founded Central Grain Company in Belvidere in 1957. With support from his family, employees and loyal farmers, Bob grew the elevator from a single grain bin to a corporation with over 7 million bushels of grain storage. Bob served as director of both the National and Illinois Grain & Feed Associations and as a board member of the Belvidere National Bank. Bob was also a farmer, and his daily routine included breakfast with buddies at the local coffee shop followed by driving his truck to inspect the crops growing in his fields. He was a member of First United Methodist Church of Belvidere and was a 32nd Degree Mason in the Belvidere Lodge #60. As a young man Bob was an avid swimmer, scuba diver, and recreational pilot. Later in life he enjoyed traveling with his family to their cabin in Cornucopia, Wisconsin and snowmobiling near Lake Superior. Bob was well-known for his friendly smile and his willingness to help others. He dearly loved his family, who will greatly miss him. Bob is survived by his loving wife, Lucy; children Bob Mickey, Dan (Kim) Mickey, Jeff (Brigitte) Mickey, Laurie (Noel) March and Mike Mickey; grandchildren Brooke, Chloe, Kayle, Hope, Garret, Caleb, Nathan and Abby; sisters Betty (Bob) Heron and Mary Johnson. Preceded in death by sisters Joan Kostka, Pat Ross, Sidney Bounds and Jackie Mickey.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to First United Methodist Church of Belvidere or Gigi's Playhouse (Down syndrome Awareness Center). Arrangements by Buck-Wheeler-Hyland Funeral Home.