Robert Bahr

1944 - 2015

Robert  Bahr, 71, died at 7:08 p.m. July 3, 2015, at the Richard Owens Hospice Home, Peoria, Illinois, after developing an autoimmune neuromuscular disease in May. He was surrounded by family.  
He was born of Catherine Smith Bahr and Wilbur Bahr on Feb. 27, 1944, in Peoria.  His parents preceeded him in death. 
Bob is survived by his wife of 30 years, Carla Staffy Bahr of Smithfield; sons, Mitchell of Galesburg, and Weston Bahr of Los Angeles, California; his brother, Wilber Bahr (Peoria); his daughter, Teri Peterson and son-in-law Todd Peterson and grandson, Christian Peterson of Galesburg.
Bob was raised in the south side of Peoria and graduated from Manual High School in 1962. He graduated Bradley University and later obtained a double Masters in Science Education and Education Administration. He first taught science at Heinz School in Peoria, followed by teaching chemistry, biology, and physics for 13 years at Avon High School, and chemistry for 14 years at Abingdon High School. He worked as the chemical lab manager and taught chemistry classes at Western Illinois University from 2004 until his death
Bob had a passion for running. He ran two marathons a year for over 25 years including the Boston marathon in 1985. He continued to run up until his illness. He was a youth group leader along with his wife for many years and an avid outdoors man. He spent his free time enjoying nature any way he could, hunting and fishing with his grandson, wood carving and spending time with family at their home in Smithfield.
Visitation will be 9-10 a.m. Monday, July 6, 2015, at the Crossing Church, 1600 W. Jackson St.,  Macomb, Illinois. Funeral services will follow at 10 a.m. Cremation rites will be accorded following the services. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg.  Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.