Robert L. Walker

1933 - 2025

Robert L. Walker
Born: February 21, 1933 in Lake Forest, IL
Died: May 15, 2025 in Clearwater, FL
Robert L. "Bob" Walker, formerly of St. Charles, Illinois, passed away peacefully on May 15, 2025, in Clearwater, Florida. He was 92.
Bob was born and raised in Glenview, IL, where he and his siblings enjoyed a happy childhood filled with family gatherings, adventures with friends, and memorable years in the Boy Scouts. It was during this time, watching naval aviators train at the nearby Glenview Naval Air Station, that Bob discovered his lifelong passion for aviation. He spent hours building model airplanes-a hobby that would shape his life's work.
In 1963, Bob moved his growing family to St. Charles, IL, settling into a historic home on 5th Street. It became the backdrop for joyful memories: ice skating in winter, helicopter rides in the yard, and eventually, a swimming pool that delighted his children.
In 1967, Bob purchased Joe's Hobby Shop on Main Street, transforming it into Walker's Hobby Shoppe-a haven for hobbyists featuring slot cars, Matchbox collectibles, HO trains, and airplane kits. He also joined a local model airplane club, The Flying Fools, and was instrumental in negotiating a permanent flying field for its members. That field became the Fox Valley Aero Club, still thriving today at Peck Road and Route 38.
In 1969, with the arrival of a fourth child, the family moved to Prairie Street near the beloved "Rocket Park." The hobby shop also grew, relocating next to the Arcada Theatre to expand into arts and crafts. Bob's mother, Dodie, joined him in running the shop.
Never one to rest, Bob co-founded Robart Manufacturing in the late 1970s, producing high-quality parts and accessories for model airplane builders. Once again, he transformed his passion into a thriving business.
In 1984, Bob married the love of his life, Sylvia K. Walker, who also became his business partner and travel companion. The couple eventually relocated full time to Clearwater Beach, Florida, and shared decades of global adventures, commemorated in countless photo albums.
A career highlight came when Bob was asked by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to build a 1/3 scale replica of the Benoist XIV, the world's first commercial aircraft, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of commercial aviation. Between 2010 and 2014, Bob and a friend built two replicas-one of which Bob himself flew. He and Sylvia were honored guests at IATA's centennial celebration in Doha, Qatar, where Bob proudly stood beside his model aircraft displayed in the Ritz-Carlton lobby.
Active in his community, Bob was involved in Kiwanis Club, the Chamber of Commerce, and Rotary International. He helped bring "Ekwabet", the bronze statue of a Potawatomi Nation tribesman, to downtown St. Charles. In Florida, he sat on the board of the Florida Aviation Historical Society and was active in RC clubs in Sarasota and Clearwater.
Above all, he was a devoted and supportive father and grandfather, always present for the kids' activities and milestones. They delighted in his playful personality and youthful enthusiasm for life.
Bob is survived by his beloved wife, Sylvia K. Walker; his children Tom, Karen, Jeff, and Tina; stepchildren Laura, Tim, Cheryl, and Lisa; a large and loving extended family of sons- and daughters-in-law, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Dick (Carolyn) Walker, sister Phyllis, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins who remember him with love and admiration.