Robert J. Berning

Robert J. (Bob) Berning, 95, of Aiken, SC, formerly of Springfield, IL, died on Sunday July 20, 2025 at Aiken Regional Medical Center. Bob was born on March 24, 1930, to H. Wiliam and Gladys Dickerson Berning. His mother passed away when Bob was 8 months old. His father married Dorothy Baum two years later, and Bob and his two older brothers were adopted by the new Mrs. Berning. Four additional children were born to this couple, bringing the household to seven children.

Bob graduated from Blessed Sacrament Grade School and Springfield High School, and received a BA from Arizona State University. He proudly served his country as a Captain in the United States Army. Bob had a General Aviation Pilot’s license, and he owned and built various single-engine airplanes. Bob’s employment took him to Chicago, IL, Ft. Wayne, IN, and Columbus, OH, before he returned to Springfield, where he lived from 1983 to 1999. He and his wife, Bettye Thorp McLain, moved to Aiken, SC, in 1999, where Bob continued to enjoy his passion for aviation. Bettye preceded him in death in April of 2010.

He was also preceded in death by his first wife, Lois, from whom he was divorced. In addition, he was preceded in death by his parents, brothers William (Bill) Berning and John (Jack) Berning, and sister Francine Berning.

He is survived by his stepdaughter Jo McLain (Frank Wiesenmeyer) of Decatur, IL; very close friend Sheila Thomas formerly of Aiken, SC; sister Henrietta Berning of Evanston, IL; brother Martin (La Rae) Berning of Atlanta, GA; brother Rich (Carolyn) Berning of Springfield, IL; sister-in-law Ann Zimmerman Berning of McKinney, TX; several nieces, nephews and cousins; and a host of friends who were just like family.

Burial of his cremains and graveside ceremony at Oak Ridge Cemetery, Springfield, IL, will be held on October 20, 2025, at 11:00 AM. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity or organization of the donor’s choice.

SHELLHOUSE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 924 HAYNE AVE., AIKEN, SC