Robert "Bob" Kilbourne

It is with deep sorrow, that we announce the passing of Robert (Bob) Leroy Kilbourne. He traded his earthly body for a Heavenly one early Tuesday morning, March 16th 2021, at the age of 91 years old. He was preceded in death by his wife Melba (Peggy) Lee Kilbourne whom he has missed dearly every day since her passing in 2003.  We are comforted that they are finally reunited in Heaven.  Bob was also preceded in death by his son Mark Kilbourne.

Bob was born September 28, 1929.  He had a larger than life personality, and lived a full and colorful life. He worked hard, made goals, and was able to pull off anything he put his mind and energy to. He married the love of his life Peggy Chaney on August 19, 1950.  Together they had 3 children. As a family they traveled and lived in Michigan, Arizona, and California.  He had an eclectic career that ranged from the milkman in California, where he loved to tell the story of how he met and befriended Marilyn Monroe’s mother.  Next, he drove a truck for Vernors.  This ended when he met up with a few friends at Angelo's Coney Island on his lunch break.  They had the next “get rich plan” for him, so he called his boss at Vernors to tell him he quit and to come get the truck. He then went on to be a salesman, who sold anything from vitamins, to bibles, to mobile homes.  This position led him to meet the owner of National Mobile Homes, where Bob eventually became the Vice President of the company.  This allowed him to purchase his own Good Life RV Resort in Bartow, FL with business partner, and cousin Earl Edgley. This accomplishment made it possible to provide a wonderful life for his wife and children.  One of Bob’s greatest hobbies was buying and selling cars. He bought and sold cars until the good Lord called him home.  He enjoyed watching Westerns, Law and Order, and Cops on his oversized TV with the volume cranked to about 50. His shows were on during every family gathering and holiday.  His favorites were Gunsmoke and Rifleman.  Bob’s house was always the house for bringing the family together. To be a child or grandchild of Bob’s was to know you are undoubtedly loved and cared for. He put everyone of his grandchildren through college, no matter where they wanted to go or what they wanted to aspire to be. He was a character, who loved to joke.  If you were looking for him, during the day you could find him running the roads in his brand new Cadillac.  He was usually one of two places, Country Carriage Restaurant, or US Family Restaurant.  He enjoyed his visits with his friends and the staff and especially the banter.  Bob was quick witted and as sharp as a knife up until the day of his passing.  There will never be another like him.

Bob was an icon to his family and all those who knew him. He will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by his daughters; Kendra Roney Grady (Matt), and Victoria Halverson (Martin). Grandkids; Ryan Roney, Robert Roney (Tracy), Reagan Genovesi (Jason), and Chelsea Morse (Matt).  Great Grandkids; Emmeline and Liam Roney, Payton, Paisley, and Penelope Roney, Raeleigh and Greyson Genovesi, and Gavin Morse.

He will also be dearly missed by his friend; Steve Polacek. Cousin, friend and business partner; Jackie Edgley. Granddaughter; Susan King. His friends at Country Carriage Restaurant. His friends at a US Family Restaurant. As well as all of the other lives he has touched.

We would like to invite you to celebrate Bob’s life with us, 11:00 AM Saturday, March 20, 2021 at Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Road, ,Swartz Creek with Pastor Karen Bolinger officiating. Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery. Visitation will be 4-8 PM Friday, March 19 and 10:00 AM until the service time on Saturday. Bob has requested that in lieu of flowers, please donate to the Genesee County Humane Society. Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com