EAST PEORIA - Robert Lee Taylor of East Peoria died at 2:56 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2013, at his residence.
He was born in Chicago, Ill., to Vivian (Fisk) and Robert Taylor.
Robert is survived by his wife, Maria; his sons, Rob (Christi Ulrich) and Andrew; sisters, June Anderson and Linda Penny; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his son, Richard; beloved sister, Sharon; brother, Denny; his parents; and niece, Terry.
Bob was a wonderful father, husband and friend to many.
He moved to Peoria, Ill., in 1970. He retired from Caterpillar Inc. in 1999. Robert helped Maria open and operate "Simply Unique Gift Shop" in Peoria and later "Maria's, A Great Place to Eat" in Washington, where he enjoyed working with employees and friends.
While his children were growing up, Robert became a Scout Master with St. Philomena's Troop No. 18.
He enjoyed camping, hiking and teaching his boys as well as others what he had learned from his father. He was a great handyman and won many awards for his cooking. The most recent cooking award was for his famous chicken pot pie at "Taste of Washington, 2011."
Robert grew up in the Catholic faith. Later in life he became an active member of United Presbyterian Church of Peoria.
He lived for his family and most of all to please God. He will be remembered for his kind heart.
His family thanks all who helped with prayers, care and many acts of kindness during his illness. We will miss him. His kind smile, wonderful humor and incredible ability to make others feel special were God-given gifts.
Robert left a message for you: "My heart and life were filled with love and I have been blessed with your presence in my life. Now it is time to pass down the key to you my beloved friends. I love you."
Please join us in a celebration of Robert's life on Saturday, March 2, at 3 p.m. at United Presbyterian Church, 2400 W. Northmoor Road, Peoria, IL 61614-3343.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to United Presbyterian Church of Peoria.
The Cremation Society of Mid-Illinois Co., Pekin/Peoria, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Online condolences may be made at csmico.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Rob and Jane Pyle
March 8, 2013
Dearest Maria, Rob, and Andrew: I just read the UPC chimes and learned of Robert's passing. My heart hurts for you all. I know you will miss him terribly. You all were such a blessing to him and he couldn't have asked for a better family. You all will be in our thoughts and prayers
Jenelle Warner
March 5, 2013
Maria and family my prayers and Sympathy are with you. I just found out or I would have been to the celebration. We will miss him.
Rob & Susie Brown
March 4, 2013
Maria, You & your precious family are in our prayers. So sorry we missed Bob's funeral. We just learned yesterday of his passing. We know you will miss him beyond what words can express. We are praying for you & love you, Rob & Susie Brown
Terry & Mary Margaret Klaus
March 3, 2013
We just learned of Bob's death today. He was a pleasure to visit with at Maria's, and we were sad about his illness. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. May God keep you in his care at this difficult time.
March 2, 2013
Maria,Rob,Christi,Andrew & Family: I enjoyed very much getting to know Bob at Maria's over the years. Your family is very special to me--I prayed for Bob every day. Please know you all are in my thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Sandy Van De Veer
Doug Brod
March 1, 2013
Robert was a kind man with a great heart. I pray for his family's strength in this difficult time. Please find comfort in the fact that Robert lived for you and for God.
Melissa Raube and family
March 1, 2013
My sincere condolences to you Maria, Robert and Andrew. Although we have lost touch over the years, I still think of you all. My thoughts are with you during your time of sorrow, may God be with you.
Linda Penney
February 28, 2013
To Maria, Robert and Andrew.
I am so sorry I know how hard this is for all of you. I still miss Jr. each and every day. My brother will be missed by many. Love to you all. Linda
Matthew/Shelby Penney
February 28, 2013
sad to see you go, but relieved you are free of your pain and struggles, rest easy and be free
Lynn Ahart
February 28, 2013
Maria and boys, I am so sorry to hear of Roberts passing but so glad he is free of the pain. I know that this is an extremely tough time for all of you, so remember he is always just a memory away! It truly will bring you peace! You are in my thoughts and prayers! Love to all!
February 28, 2013
May you rest in peace brother. June
Toni Redlingshafer
February 28, 2013
Hugs to Maria and the boys. He lit up whatever room he walked into. I ampersonally happy he walked into my life and our WATCH family. I assume that Chuck was their to meet him with a big hug.
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