Bull Remembered

Robert Whitefield Bullen, 81, only son of Robert Whitefield Bullen II and Katie Wiehl Foster Bullen, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 18, 2009, at 9:09 p.m. at his daughter’s home in Springfield, IL, surrounded by his family. He suffered a massive stroke on June 30, 2009. He was a true Southern gentleman and a gentle man.

Born on August 12, 1927, in Vicksburg, Mississippi, Robert is preceded in death by his wife, Ida Mae Andrus Bullen and his sister, Mary Bullen Morgan.

Robert graduated from Millsaps College in Jackson, MS, and earned his master’s degree in library science from Emory University in Atlanta. He and Ida Mae Andrus were married on December 22, 1951, in Lafayette, LA.

Robert is survived by his two children, Andrew Hopkins Bullen of Chicago and Anne Wiehl Bullen Craig of Springfield; his grandchildren, Robert Walsh Craig and Thomas Wade Craig; and his stepgrandchildren, Gillian Garfield and Graham Garfield.

He had moved from St. Charles, IL, to the Illinois Presbyterian Home in Springfield in January 2006.

Known as “Bully” to all who knew and loved him, he retired from the North Suburban Library System in 1992, where he was the Assistant Director. He was a lifelong lover of books and reading. His wife was, and both of his children are, librarians. He was an avid genealogist and was very proud of his family history, especially his ancestor George Whitefield’s evangelical missionary work. His love in life was his family; he was intensely proud of his children and grandchildren. He was genuinely kind, and a completely devoted friend and surrogate father to many.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2009, at 11 a.m. at the St. Charles Episcopal Church, where his remains will be entombed next to his wife’s in the church’s columbarium. The Rev. William Nesbit will officiate.

Remembrances in lieu of flowers can be sent to the St. Charles Episcopal Church, 994 N. 5th Ave., St. Charles, IL, 60174.