Robert William "Bob" McWhorter

Robert William "Bob" McWhorter, 72, passed away peacefully at his home in Jupiter, Florida, on March 12, 2026. He was born July 9, 1953, in Fairbanks, Alaska. Over the years Bob called many places home, but some of his favorites included Delavan and Sandwich, Illinois; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Council Bluffs, Iowa; Pekin, IL; and Jupiter, Florida. No matter where he lived, Bob had a way of making people feel like old friends: his humor, stories, and big personality left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

Bob was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Carl and Beverly (Fulton) McWhorter.

He is survived by his loving wife, Leann (Ryan) McWhorter; his sister, Patti (McWhorter) Horton; his son, Brian McWhorter and Brian's wife, Basia, and their daughter, Zosia; his daughter, Lisa McWhorter-Kurtz and her lifelong companion, Jason McArdle, and their children: Lainie Kate, Lexi, Livi, Laney, Liam, and Lyndi; and his son, Kevin McWhorter, and Kevin's wife, Brenna, and their son, Everett.

Bob married Leann Ryan on July 5, 1975, at the Methodist Church in Delavan, Illinois. Together they built a life full of adventure, laughter, and family.

Bob earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of Tulsa followed by a lifelong career with Caterpillar Tractor Co.

He had a special place in his heart for his many pets over the years: Brownie, Tabby, Agatha, Chloe, Kaiser, and Kuna. One of his simple joys was mowing his yard with his dog, Kaiser, riding along on his lap.

Bob will be tremendously missed by all who knew and loved him. He was known for his larger-than-life personality, his love of music, and his unmistakable laugh. Often he would start laughing at his own stories before he even finished telling them, which made everyone around him laugh too. Above all, he cherished the time he spent with his grandchildren and took great pride in being their Papa.

Bob was diagnosed with glioblastoma in March 2024 and faced the disease with courage and determination. His strength, humor, and spirit remained evident throughout his fight.

A private celebration of Bob's life will be held in July near his birthday in Florida. Another celebration of life for Illinois family and friends is tentatively planned for the fall. Those interested in attending may text Brian at 309-202-6032, Lisa at 309-620-6104, or Kevin at 402-290-9275 for additional information.

Bob was fond of many charities during his life including Sandwich Park District, The Reedy Family Foundation (in Remembrance), TAPS, whom promotes animal adoptions, and as Bob often quoted Ben Franklin, "There's never been a good war or a bad peace," we included the Carter Center. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to one of Bob's favorite community resources included below:

Plant a tree through the Sandwich Park District: Make checks payable to Sandwich Park District, Mail checks to Lisa Kurtz, 24419 Peyton Place, Hudson, IL 61748

The Kevin Reedy Foundation: Make checks payable to Lewis Central Foundation, Mail to: Lisa Kurtz, 24419 Peyton Place, Hudson, IL 61748

The Carter Center: donate online: www.cartercenter.org

Tazewell Animal Protective Society, donate online: https://tapsshelter.org/donate/

Date of Service:
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Date of Viewing:
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Date of Interment:
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