Robert J. Kaylor

Robert J. “Bobby Joe” Kaylor peacefully left this world at his home on January 6, 2024 at the age of 89. 

Bob was born October 15, 1934 in Illiopolis, IL to Coyne and Theresa Kaylor.  He graduated from Illiopolis High School, lettering in all four sports. He soon found his lifelong companion and married Mary Ann (Stewart). They celebrated an incredible 65 years of marriage. Their love was the foundation of a family that now spans five children, 13 grandchildren, and 23 great-grandchildren, with two more on the way. A skilled craftsman, he built the home where they raised their family and many cherished memories were made.

Bob dedicated his life to the service of the State of Illinois and his community. He honorably served 30 years with the Illinois State Police and was appointed as the head of executive security for three Illinois governors. In addition to his law enforcement career, Bob was a skilled brick mason and laid the foundation for many homes in Illiopolis. He donated his labor in planning and constructing many structures in the area, such as the Illiopolis Veterans Memorial and the Calvary, Riverside, Mt. Auburn Cemetery entrances.

As a dedicated pillar in his community, Bob served multiple terms as the Illiopolis Township Supervisor and volunteered many years on both the Riverside and Calvary Cemetery Boards. 

Bob was a former member of the US Trotting Association where he trained and drove harness horses at county fairs and professional venues. His trotter, Neptune's Crown, was a champion at the IL State Fair Colt Stakes.  

Bob was a loyal Pirate all his years and he loved the New York Yankees and the St. Louis Cardinals.

He is survived by his five children, Kevin (Cindy) Kaylor, Marci (Ken) Morrison, Karen (Randy) Womack, John (Peggy) Kaylor, Patti Kaylor and all his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Bob is preceded in death by his beloved wife Mary Ann, his parents Coyne and Theresa, and his five siblings. 

Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2024 from 11:30AM until the time of the funeral service at 2:00PM at Fullenwider-Park Funeral Home, 423 7th Street, in Illiopolis.

His dedication to making the world a better place will be remembered fondly by all who had the privilege of knowing him. May he rest in peace, now surrounded in love by those who went before him and the memories of a life well-lived. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the IL State Police Heritage Foundation or Resurrection Parish.

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