ROBERT “SONNY” C. REGAN

Robert “Sonny” C. Regan, Sr., age 89, of Big Rock, passed away unexpectedly Monday, April 8, 2024, at his home.

He was born August 19, 1934 in Bassett, AR, Robert and Pauline Regan.

Sonny grew up in Malden, MO, on a family farm and spent years surrounded nature and all her children. Over the years he became fond of Quarter horses, Tennessee Walkers, a few odd mules and enjoyed puttering on his tractor.

He attended local schools and graduated from Malden High School. Sonny enlisted in the United States Marines in 1952. Sonny would work at the local airbase until his return to civilian life.

Sonny cut a fine figure in his uniform, but even out of it, he turned a few heads. His hair was reminiscent of Elvis and if that didn’t get you, his charm certainly would. He was united in marriage to Ellie Maggard on July 19, 1960, in Chicago. They began their new life together in Humbolt Park where they were blessed with a son and a daughter. In 1966, the family moved to Streamwood and welcomed home another son which made the family complete. In 1978, Sonny and Ellie went their separate ways with Sonny landing back in his hometown of Malden for a time. In 2000 he packed his bags settling in Big Rock, IL. 

Sonny was a union carpenter by trade and built Pizza Huts in the Chicagoland area, across the country and even on St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands. A construction accident brought him low in the late 1980’s. The three story fall crushed portions of his spine, but he persevered and walked into retirement.

Sonny was strong as an ox and even when the years intervened, this strength was obvious to anyone who cared to look at him. He was passionate about his Chicago Bears and Cubs, even when they were losing, but made sure to share his opinions with the television without reservation. Though he enjoyed watching the birds at his feeder, his disposition soured immediately upon spying a thieving squirrel. He had an excellent poker face that made him a formidable foe across the table. Stories have been told that a horse, some cars and more were won with winning hands, but you could never tell by looking at him in the eye. Every weekend brought out buckets and sponges for the weekly car wash. Sonny loved to cut the grass and work the garden but lacked the greenest of thumbs. He could occasionally be what some have described as “ornery” (while others may use other terms), but his smile grew wide at the mention of fried bologna sandwiches, oatmeal cookies, ice cream, and slices of his neighbor Helen’s pies after he cut her grass. His cousin Joe David had his own plane and Sonny flew “shotgun” all across the country. He was proud to be “guys guy” who took on traditional jobs, held traditional viewpoints and loved his family with all of his heart. You could search the world and never find his equal. He will be missed by many and remembered by all who loved him.  

He now leaves three children: Debra (Robert) Raymond, Robert “Bob” Jr. (Danielle) Regan and Mark Regan; 10 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, and cousins and a family of friends.   

He is reunited with his parents, Robert and Pauline Regan; three siblings: Gene Regan, Gayla Ann Bomar and Alma Lou Gates; and one grandson, Patrick Regan who preceded him in death.

Private family services will be held following cremation.   

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Gateway Foundation at https://www.gatewayfoundation.org/donate. Memories and tributes may also be left on the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or at www.conleycare.com.

Private family services will be held following cremation. MEMORIAL In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Gateway Foundation at https://www.gatewayfoundation.org/donate. Memories and tributes may also be left on the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or at www.conleycare.com.