Robert D. “Bobby” Coe, age 77, of Galesburg, Illinois, passed away at 4:30 A.M. on June 21, 2019 surrounded by his family at the OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Illinois.
He was born on February 4, 1942 in Galesburg, the son of Bob and June Coe. He married Carolyn Higgins in 1959 and their young love was blessed with three wonderful children: Kerry (and Barry) Cheesman, Jackie (and Jim) McCaslin, and Bo Coe. Carolyn tragically passed away in March of 1964. He married Trudy West in January of 1966 and they were blessed with two more sons: Rob (and Jennifer) Coe and JJ (and Amy) Coe. Together, he and Trudy raised all five children.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents; and one grandson, Chad Coe. He is survived by his wife of fifty-three years; his five children; eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; two sisters: CeCe Coe and Patricia Coe; and many nieces and nephews.
Bob provided for his family with a forty-two-year career as a locomotive engineer with Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad. He was an avid outdoorsman and athlete all his life, but his favorite sport was golf, where he excelled, winning numerous city championships and club championships. He and Trudy raised their children at the Lake Bracken Country Club, which he always considered his home course, but he enjoyed playing at many area golf courses.
As per his wishes, cremation will be accorded and no services are planned. Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Home & Crematory of Knoxville, Illinois is assisting the family. Memorial contributions may be made to the Knox County Human Society or a charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences and expressions of sympathy may be made through www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhome.com.
