Robert Compton, 88, died peacefully in his sleep on June 1, 2026 after being on dialysis for 14 years. Born on April 11, 1938 on a farm in South Louisiana, he worked hard at an early age doing farm chores. He taught himself how to weld and became an expert when he came north to the Chicago area.
He graduated from Texas A&M as a sociology major and went through ROTC then joined the Air Force in the early 1960s. He was proud of his military service.
Meeting his wife, Judy, a native Oak Parker, gave him the stability he needed to finally settle and they built a life together in Oak Park for 42 years, where he unleashed his creativity and his prowess as a welder. While working as a probation officer in the federal courts, he started building an addition to their house at age 50. Taking an early retirement, he joyfully worked hard on building.
In addition to his wife, Judy, he is survived by his sons, Bob Patton, Keith and Michael, along with grandchildren and even great-grands, too.
A fall memorial service at Unity Temple is being planned. In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated toward the maintenance of Unity Temple, where he was a longtime member.