He went peacefully with his wife and son by his side.

Bob was born on March 25, 1932.

He graduated Crane Tech High School in Chicago, Ill., in 1950.

Bob joined the U.S. Air Force as a basic airman in February 1952 and married his high school sweetheart, Thora “Billie” Rowley, on May 17, 1952. After his honorable discharge from the Air Force, Bob worked with Harlo Electric Supply and then General Electric.

After retiring, Bob and Billie moved to Whitewater in 1996. In retirement Bob enjoyed golfing whenever the weather permitted.

He was a member at the local golf club, Prairie Woods, and golfed regularly with his son, grandson and great-grandson. He left us less than 24 hours after playing a round with his son and grandson.

If he wasn’t golfing, Bob was swimming at the Whitewater Aquatic Center with Billie. His youthful spirit and abundant love made him a favorite of all his 12 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

Bob is survived by his wife, Thora; his son, Thomas (Doreen); his grandchildren, Melissa (Jason) Grooms, Michele (Shannon) Fagiano, Aaron (Amanda) Rowley, Corin (Bob) Sullivan, Brandon (Rowena) Rowley, Kristin (Mark) Porter, Colin (Brittany) Rowley, Erica Clemmons, Kristina (Kevin) Bannon, Veronica (Steven) De La Cruz, Greg Barnwell Jr. and Robert Callen; and great-grandchildren, Will, Riley, Grace, Quinn, Emmett, Michael, Abigail, Emeline, Oliver, Calvin, Sadie, Londyn, Kenzie, Traver Jr., Madelyn, Ashlyn, Steven, Nathaniel and Elijah.

He was preceded in death and welcomed in heaven by his two children, his eldest son Jim and daughter Lynn.

A celebration of life will be held at Prairie Woods Golf Course on Saturday, July 13, from 2 to 6 p.m.