Robert “Bob” Wayne Woodward, 78, of Troy, Illinois passed away peacefully surrounded by his family early in the morning on Sunday, May 4 after being diagnosed with stage 4 esophageal cancer earlier this year.
Born October 28, 1946 in Salem, Illinois to Robert and Frances (Budiselich-Milburn) Woodward, he married Jo Layne Duckworth on October 23, 1971 in Centralia, Illinois.
His parents Robert and Frances Woodward, sister Mia Robertson, in-laws Marion “Goose” and Iva Duckworth, and sister-in-law Ann Dugan preceded him in death. Surviving are his wife, Jo, his son, Robert (Lisa) Woodward, and his three grandsons, Robert (7 years old), Thomas & Tyson (2 ½ years old). Also surviving are his sister Frances Ann Sutherlin, sisters-in-law Vicky (Dale) Huber and Brenda (Layne) Mayfield, brother-in-law Bob Dugan, and his many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
Bob grew up on Bannister Road and graduated from Salem High School in 1964. He worked on the family farm and in their peach and apple orchards and loved mushroom hunting in the spring. He briefly studied at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale then became a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers – local 520, where he was a heavy equipment operator. He also took on many odd jobs and one day he happened to pump gas for the woman who would eventually become the love of his life, leading to a 53-year marriage.
Ahead of his time, he stayed home for a few years after their son Robert Douglas was born, where he mastered the art of making eggs in a basket, teaching Rob how to clean up, and doing their laundry. His greatest joy in life was being a dad and he and Jo never missed a game or special event in Rob’s life. He was so proud of Rob when he graduated from law school and began his career as an attorney. He loved fast cars, especially his 1966 396 SS Chevelle.
Bob retired from AT&T after 20 years of service as a lineman/technician and a member of the IBEW – local 520. He teamed up with Jo to sell real-estate for RE/MAX Alliance in his semi-retirement (“Not your average Bob & Jo!”). His biggest passion was being a Shriner and he felt a great sense of purpose helping children with orthopedic conditions and burns. He was a member of the Royal Order of Jesters Court 86, Ainad Shrine Temple in East St. Louis, Scottish Rite in the Valley of Southern Illinois, and the Masonic Lodge #130 in Salem, IL. He was a past President within the Ainad Shrine Temple of the Directors Staff, the Ainad Uniform Units, Troy/Edwardsville Shrine Club, and Collinsville Shrine Club. He was also a member of the Sons of the American Revolution.
Bob valued his relationships with friends, family, co-workers, and Shriner brothers and was always willing to lend a hand to anyone who needed it. He treated all of Rob’s friends like his own and never met a stranger. He was happiest when he was with his family, especially Bo, TJ & Ty, who all love their Pop Pop so very much.
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at Irwin Chapel Funeral Homes at 591 Glen Crossing Road in Glen Carbon, Illinois. Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 8, at Irwin Chapel with a visitation prior to the service, beginning at 10 a.m. Reverend Kyle Steward will officiate. A private burial will take place on Friday, May 9, at Taylor Cemetery in rural Vandalia, IL.
Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Bob Woodward to the Shriner’s Children’s St. Louis and can be received at or mailed to Irwin Chapel Funeral Home, 591 Glen Crossing Road, Glen Carbon, IL (https://lovetotherescue.org).
