Robert Andrew Alkire

Robert Andrew Alkire, 67, of Hoopeston, passed away suddenly at 11:50 a.m. Saturday, July 22, 2017, at Presence United Samaritans Medical Center, in Danville.
Bob was born on November 26, 1949, in Danville, the son of Andrew Avery and Letha (Rains) Alkire. He married Debbie Sims on May 2, 1970, in Hoopeston. She survives.
He is also survived by his son- Andrew Avery Alkire of Hoopeston; grandchildren- Chloe Anne Alkire and Cole Andrew Alkire of Hoopeston; three great-grandchildren- Madrhyk, Kallon and Kyrin; and several cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents and daughter- Stephanie Lauren Alkire.
Bob graduated from Hoopeston High School, in 1967. He later attended Danville Junior College and then graduated from Worsham College of Mortuary Science, in 1970. Bob worked at Pape Funeral Home in Danville, Hamilton-Orr Funeral Home and then Knapp Funeral Home in Hoopeston. In 1978, Bob and Dale Brown purchased Knapp Funeral Home and he became co-owner of Brown-Alkire Funeral Home and they also operated the Ambulance Service out of the funeral home for several years. He later became sole owner of the funeral home and operated the funeral home until his retirement in 2013. Bob was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Hoopeston, GAO Grotto, past-member of the Hoopeston Jaycees, where he served as an Illinois Jaycee Senator and past Festival Chairman. He was also a member of Pheasants Forever, Ducks Unlimited, NRA and the Westville Gun Club. Bob was a member of the First Christian Church (DOC) in Hoopeston, where he served several positions, including Vice Chairmen of the Board from 2011-2012. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved to go hunting, fishing, boating, camping and shooting. When he wasn't outdoors he loved to spend time in his garage. Bob enjoyed drinking coffee with his friends daily. He also loved to enjoy a good cigar and a manhattan. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him and loved him. Bob was always there whenever you needed him.
A Celebration of Robert Andrew Alkire's Life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 27, 2017, at the First Christian Church, in Hoopeston, with Pastor Tom Cici officiating. Burial will follow the service in Floral Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, at the Blurton Funeral Home Brown-Alkire Chapel. Masonic Service will be held at 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Hoopeston Masonic Lodge or the GAO Grotto. The family has entrusted the Blurton Funeral Home to assist them in honoring Bob's life. Memories or photos may be shared with the family on his everlasting memorial page at: www.blurtonfuneralhomes.com.

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