Name: Davison-Fulton-Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home
Address: Peoria, IL

Bob was a friendly guy. We sat next to each other on a plane trip to Peoria. We had a nice conversation and I remember thinking "this guy is really bright."

Jim Sydnor

My family rented the house at Scott's Prairie 1988-1992. I was 10 years old when we moved in. Mr Gilmore became a friend/mentor to me right away. Many rides on the old Ford tractor, fishing trips to the pond in the awesome old pickup, hanging out in the caboose and him coming to the door when his grandson was in town so we could play. When I graduated from middle school at Christ Lutheran, he gave me a pen and pencil set that I have used every day at work as a Manufacturing Engineer and now as a Value Engineer at a manufacturing facility in Iowa that supplies operator seats to Caterpillar. I will never forget the amazing man he was and the impact he had on a young boy in the midwest. He didn't have to do that but he did because that is the kind of man he was. My heart goes out to his family and the entire Peoria community. Know that he lives on in my memory, and the stories I will tell my son, forever.

As a child and young adult Bob was part of my life.  He and my Father, Ross Canty grew up together and shared a life long friendship.  Many times he and Dad and myself and others, like Arlen Dykeman would bird hunt.  I really wanted to speak with Bob as he was the last of Dad's childhood friends, and well, now I miss the both of them-- all of them.  I want to thank Bob and his generation for raising me, for their contributions to this great country and for the strength and enduring advice they gave me, the incredible friendship they shared, the outstanding examples of citizenship they provided.  Indeed, America's Greatest Generation.  I so dearly regret not being able to talk to you again.  al

To Bob’s Family,
I am sad to read of Bob’s passing. I started at the Caterpillar Tractor Company on June 24, 1963 as an Electrical Engineer for the Research Department. In 1978, I was in the Plant Engineering Department at the Basic Engine Plant in Mossville, IL. My primary job was to support the diesel engine test cells. I needed the Plant Managers approval for material urgently in need for a project. I was explaining to need to John Gilbert when Bob Gilmore entered his office. I told John that I would come back. Bob said “No, please finish your business. I have time.” After John gave his approval, Bob talked to me about the project and my background. He personified the main reason I selected Caterpillar for my career, that Caterpillar was human oriented! 
I hope your many happy memories will help you get through this most difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Ed Johnson (Cat MEC Retired)
Peoria, IL.


I arrived at Caterpillar in 1966 as a sales trainee after 4 years in the Army. The Worldwide Dealer Meeting was coming up and somehow I was picked to help Bob Gilmore with his manufacturing speech and visuals. 

He treated me as an equal and gave me freedom to do the legwork and research to put together a meaningful manufacturing message. As a regimental adjutant in Germany I’d worked with some great leaders, including General Creighton Abrams. Bob Gilmore was an equal leader who showed me early on that I’d made the right choice to come to CAT.

Rest in God’s Peace, Sir. Thank you for your service to the country,  to CAT and to Peoria. Even if only briefly, I am honored to have worked with you.

Robert L (Larry) Wuench 

It was an honor and a privilege to know Bob. I managed his amazing gift of Scott’s Prairie to Children’s Home for a little better than 10 years. In that time, I got to know Bob pretty well sharing stories of hunting, fishing, and a great many Caterpillar tales that he, my grandfather and father shared over the years. Every Christmas for several years, Bob and Jean would bring presents for my children to me at Scott’s Prairie and we’d visit for a good hour or two.

My family and I are saddened to hear of his passing, but take comfort in knowing the long life he lived was filled with great experiences, leadership, and unmatched community generosity that we all can admire. After moving away last spring and saying goodbye, I am incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to visit with him earlier this summer.  My family’s best wishes go out to everyone & it can’t be said enough, it was an honor and a privilege to know him. 

Alex & Diana Fuller

Our parents did lead a wonderful life thanks to Caterpillar!  Dad (Jim Daykin) died 9 years ago and mom (Jeanne Daykin) died this past March at 93, still sharp and very concerned with current events.  When we loose our parents we loose a part of ourselves.  Debbie Daykin 

My husband and I got to know Bob and Jean at Lutheran Hillside Village. We had many dinners with them, and they were both so pleasant. He will be remembered for his kindness and generosity.

Marg Colley

Bob Gilmore was a consummate "People Person" ! He was an exceptional leader at Caterpillar and in the community he loved. His  caring personality will long reside in the memories of family, friends and business associates. I have many memories of working with Bob in my formative Caterpillar years, and always admired the engaging manner he used in making everyone comfortable  -- my first impressions come from a late '70s intense  meeting in Geneva, Switzerland where Bob put young managers, who had never been around the President of Cat , totally at ease by opening with a few "soft ball" questions in his folksy style! In later years, Katie and I got to  experience Bob and Jean's caring ways -- they gifted farm property to the Children's Home in memory of Bob's  son Scott, and wanted to be sure it was well utilized to have a positive impact on disadvantaged teens in our community.  Sincerely, Jim & Katie Owens

Heartfelt condolences go out to Robert's immediate family while was a resident at LHV.


The entire region has lost a genuine friend. Bob Gilmore was a Caterpillar President who believed that his dedication was required both to the Company and to our region in the Peoria area. He helped put company assets toward social responsibility; and, after his retirement, he commited his personal funds to the same. He was proud of Caterpillar and worked tirelessly to make sure Cat lived up to that high level of pride.

He could be found supporting or leading many local organizations over the years. It might have been the Heartland Water Resources Council, the Peoria Lakes Basin Alliance, the Peoria Historical Society, the Peoria Riverfront Museum and many, many more.

The first thing you always noticed was his smiling, friendly and engaging style. Bob Gilmore's leadership will always be appreciated. He was always and forever a true gentleman. I miss him already.

Thank you Bob! 
Russ Crawford

I am better for having known Bob, and experienced his leadership and wisdom.  May peace and comfort be with family and friends as they grieve his l passing. 

Bob will be missed. I remember working under him at Caterpillar. MayGod,be with the family  in these had times.  RIP

Bob was a great man who was very important to the Fuller family. He duck hunted at Big Lake Hunting and Fishing Club, now a part of Rice Lake State Recreation area. He also went squirrel hunting with Ken Fuller Sr. Bob was a mentor to our son, Alex, who was site superintendent at Scott’s Prairie for over ten years. We all have many happy memories of times we spent with Bob. May he Rest In Peace. 

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Robert E. Gilmore

4 mai 1920 – 22 septembre 2020

Davison-Fulton-Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home

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