Robert “Rob” Thomas Cassens, DMD, 52, Auburn, died at 11:35 a.m. on Monday, December 20, 2021, at his home.
He was born on August 24, 1969, in Mattoon, the son of Bruce W. and Sharon A. (Hull) Cassens. He married Elizabeth “Betsy” Stayton on June 20, 1992, in Jacksonville.
Rob graduated from Ashland High School and later earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Illinois and his Doctor of Dental Medicine from SIU School of Dental Medicine. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy as a Lieutenant Commander and was a dentist during that time from 1995 to 1998. He was a member of the American Dental Association and the Illinois State Dental Society and owned his own practice beginning in 2004. He was also an active member at West Side Christian Church as a small group leader, hospitality team volunteer, and a rooted group leader. He enjoyed golfing, playing board games, smoking meat, music, watching Illini sports, rooting for the St. Louis Blues and Cardinals, plants and nature, hiking, biking, camping, and canoeing. He was a compassionate, strong-willed, and a devoted follower of Christ who had a contagious laugh and will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by grandparents, Cyrus and Marjorie Hull and William and Rose Cassens.
Rob is survived by his wife, Betsy of Auburn; parents, Bruce and Sharon of Chatham; daughters, Isabella and Lydia Cassens of Pearland, TX; son, Jonah Cassens of Urbana; brother, Ryan (Jennifer) Cassens of Houston, TX; sister, Whitney (Jason) Mehaffy of Jacksonville; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Funeral was held on Wednesday, December 29, 2021, at West Side Christian Church, 2850 Cider Mill Ln., Springfield.
Burial was at Chatham Memorial Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to West Side Christian Church, 2850 Cider Mill Ln., Springfield, IL 62702; or the American Cancer Society, 675 E. Linton, Springfield, IL 62703.
The family was served by Butler Funeral Home – Chatham, 8855 State Rte. 4, Chatham.
Please visit butlerfuneralhomes.com to offer your condolences.
