Robert "Bob" Kirkman

Robert Lee “Bob” Kirkman, 78, of Greenville, Illinois, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at 12:39 a.m., surrounded by his loving family.

A celebration of Bob’s life will be held on Monday, June 16, 2025, at First Christian Church in Greenville, Illinois. Visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with the funeral service beginning at 12:00 p.m. Reverends Dee Armes and Tyson Graber will officiate. A private family burial will be held at a later date.

Bob was born on October 26, 1946, in Coffeen, Illinois, to John Robert and Jessie Camilla (White) Kirkman. A lifelong resident of Bond County, Bob proudly called this community home. He met the love of his life, Barbara Ann Haley, and together they shared nearly 59 years of marriage, filled with faith, joy, and countless memories.

A devoted Christian, Bob was an active member of First Christian Church where he faithfully served and cherished the fellowship of his church family. He was known for his playful sense of humor, generous spirit, and the way he made everyone feel like a friend.

Bob loved old westerns—both on the page and on the screen—and never missed a chance to share a story, a laugh, or a wise word or wise crack. He often reminded his children with a smile, “The older you get, the smarter I get.”

Above all, Bob was a family man. He deeply loved his children and grandchildren and was overjoyed to meet his newest great-granddaughter, Rylie, before his passing. A hardworking man with an adventurous spirit, Bob spent over 30 years as a truck driver and until his illness, drove locally for Artie Myers. He and Barb shared a love for motorcycle rides, camping with friends, and wintering in Texas.

Bob was actively involved in his community. He was a member of the Greenville Masonic Lodge, a past member of the Jaycees, and the Okaw Valley Amateur Radio Club, and served for more than three decades with the Bond County Republican Central Committee.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Jessie Kirkman, and two stepfathers, Allen Vaughn and Raymond Neathery.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara Kirkman of Greenville, Illinois; sons John (Niccie) Kirkman of Greenville and Scott (Kimberly) Kirkman of Panama City, Florida; daughter Dawn (Kevin) Fry of Lincoln, Illinois; grandchildren Chelsey, Shelby, Haley, KJ, Jordan, Carter, Kyle, Parker, Kinsley, and Casen; great-grandchildren Chloe, Kayden, Haven, Hailey, Mika, Parker, Noah, and Rylie; as well as six step-siblings.

The family kindly requests memorial donations be made in Bob’s honor to:
● Greenville First Christian Church, 1100 Killarney Drive, Greenville, IL 62246
● Bond County Hospice, 503 South Prairie Street, Greenville, IL 62246
● Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation, PO Box 496, Greenville, IL 62246
● Gordon Lodge #473 A.F. & A.M., 209 Academy Street, Pocahontas, IL 62275