Robert Gilstrap

FARMINGTON - Robert D. Gilstrap of Farmington passed away at 1:50 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 11, 2016, at the National Park Medical Center in Hot Springs, Ark., at the age of 77.

He was born on April 5, 1938, in Bevier, Mo., the third child of Raymond and Berniece (Vawter) Gilstrap's family of seven children. Bob married Dixie R. Kimbrell in Farmington on Oct. 12, 1956. After 56 years of marriage, Dixie preceded Bob in death on Jan. 1, 2013.

Bob is survived by their children, Dr. Robert B. (Paula) Gilstrap and Michael D. (Kimberly) Gilstrap, both of Farmington; grandchildren, Leslie A. Gilstrap, Mindy S. (Greg) Glomb and Mallory A. Griffith, all of Farmington, and Colin Gilstrap of Peoria; great-grandchildren, Bronson and Harrison Glomb, Mason and Logan Griffith and Delaney Isbell; sisters, Bonnie J. Danner of Trivoli and Betty J. Perrine of Bartonville; brothers, Bennett D. Gilstrap of Joplin, Mo., and Bryon D. Gilstrap of Norris; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, William D. Gilstrap and Barry D. Gilstrap.

A 1956 graduate of Farmington High School, Bob was the senior class president and lettered in football and track. He was a graduate of Western Illinois University, receiving a Board of Governor's Bachelor's of Arts degree.

Bob spent his career working in the coal mining industry. He started as a UMWA member and was a welder on the construction of mining equipment in southern Illinois for Peabody Coal. He next worked as a welder, dozer operator, dragline oiler and truck driver at Peabody Coal's Mecco Mine in Victoria, Ill. Bob also was a union official during this time. In the late 1960s, Bob began his management career starting as a pit boss supervisor at Peabody Coal's Edwards Mine. He next worked as the assistant superintendent of the Edwards Mine (much of which is now used as the Wildlife Prairie Park). This was followed by transferring to work as the assistant superintendent of the Mecco Mine. Bob was then made the superintendent of ASARCO's Allendale Mine in Wyoming, Ill. This was followed by working as the superintendent of ASARCO's Elm Mine in Elmwood, Ill., after which he was made the general superintendent of ASARCO's Midland Coal Company. Bob spent the last several years of his career serving as the president/chief executive officer and partner of Mid State Coal Company in Farmington, retiring in 2001.

Bob was a 52-year member of Farmington Masonic Lodge 192, where he served as Worshipful Master in 1971 and was the lodge secretary from 2005 though 2015. Bob joined the Scottish Rite Valley of Peoria in 1973, receiving his 32nd degree on Feb. 1, 1973. He was a 37-year member of the Mohammed Shriners of Peoria and was active in the Past Masters Club. During his retirement, Bob often transported children from the Peoria area to the Shriners Hospital for Children in Chicago.

Bob was an active member of the Farmington United Methodist Church, where he served for several years as a trustee and on various committees.

In recent years, there was nothing Bob enjoyed more than spending time fishing with his friends. He also was involved in restoring antique vehicles. A lifelong St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Bears fan, it gave Bob great pleasure to watch ball games from his home in Farmington, while texting back and forth with his grandson, Colin, who would be watching the same games at his home in Peoria.

Visitation will be from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 21, 2016, at the Anderson-Sedgwick Funeral Home, with Masonic services starting at 5:30 p.m. His funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 22, 2016, at the United Methodist Church in Farmington, followed by burial in Oak Ridge Cemetery. The Rev. Paul Lee will officiate.

Memorials can be made to his church, Farmington Masonic Lodge 192 or the Shriners Hospitals for Children.

To view Robert's DVD or to make online condolences, you may go to www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com.