Bobby Joe Boyer

Bobby J. Boyer, age 87, of Paris, Illinois passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by loved ones at 10:26 A.M. on Monday, March 30, 2026.

Services will be private. Stewart and Carroll Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Bob was born on February 26, 1939, in Kansas, Illinois, the son of the late Charles and Ruth Boyer. He married the love of his life, Ruth Anna Garver, on March 2, 1958, and she survives.

Bob worked 31 ½ years as a fulltime Firefighter. He retired in January of 2000 with the Rank of Captain. After Retirement from the Fire Department, Bob went on to serve 12 years as a Paris City Councilman. Bob also worked for Horace Link & Co for over 43 years as a Service Repairman. There were very few homes in Edgar County that Bob had not been in working on someone’s appliances over the years.

Bob was an avid Illini Basketball and Football fan and Chicago Bears fan. He was a main supporter and helped oversee the building of the All-Abilities Playground for individuals with special needs. Bob loved spending time with friends and family, especially his grandchildren. Anyone who knew Bob also knew he always had a story to tell. Bob and Ruth loved to go on their mini vacations to the Casino’s. Bob was the happiest when he was outside in the garage, tinkering on something or on his lawnmower taking care of his yard.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, his three children: Bobby Jr (Yuki) of Sasebo Japan, Cathy Gallagher (Steve) of Paris, Illinois, Jenny Downs (Kevin) of Paris, Illinois; his grandchildren: Tiffany Boyer, Joshua Downs, Noah Downs; and his brother, Terry Boyer of Mattoon, Illinois.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents and his siblings: Jimmy Boyer, Ted Boyer, Bill Boyer, Jack Boyer, Jerry Boyer, and Chuckie Boyer.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Challenger League of East Central Illinois OR Transitions Hospice.

For more information and online condolences please visit www.stewartandcarrollfuneralhome.com