Robert Doyle Sproston, 66, of Geneseo, died Saturday, August 15, 2015 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City. Per Roberts wishes, his body was donated to science. A memorial visitation was Thursday, August 20, 2015 from 4-7 p.m. at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home, Milan. A graveside service will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 12, 2017 at Oakwood Cemetery, Geneseo, Illinois. Memorials may be made in care of the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics Clinical Cancer Center for research.

Robert was born in Milan on December 16, 1948, a son of Ray Eugene "Washer" and Margret Likely Sproston. He was a Rockridge High School graduate.

Robert married Rita Carton on Aug. 21, 1971 at St. Pius X Catholic Church, Rock Island. He worked 38 years as a machine operator for John Deere Harvester Works, retiring in 2012. He was a proud member of the East Moline UAW Local 865.

Robert spent 8 years in the U.S. Army Reserves. He enjoyed fishing, stock cars, sports and harness racing. He really loved watching his grandchildren play baseball.

Survivors include his wife, Rita Sproston, Geneseo; sons, Brian Doyle Sproston, Macomb, Ill., Kyle Alan Sproston, Geneseo and Shawn Eugene Sproston, Hillsdale, Ill.; six "special" sons, Jacob Smith, Hillsdale, Randall Price, Moline, Adam Sovey, Cambridge, Bob Inglis, Geneseo, Chris Schneekloth, East Moline and Will Schwerdt, Geneseo; 10 grandchildren; sister, Donna Lee (Lyle) Behne, Milan; father-in-law, Robert T. Carton, Rock Island; and several brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and mother-in-law, Mary Evelyn Carton.